When hiring a contractor of any kind, but especially a bathroom contractor, the worst thing you can do is not ask as many questions as you possibly can before hiring them. After all, you don’t know this person that you’re hiring, and you’re hiring them for pretty delicate work that can cost thousands if messed up. So be sure to ask as many pertinent questions as your mind can think up. However, if you’re looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor in Wheaton, and can’t think of any questions that would be important, here is a short list of the more important questions.
#1. Can I see examples of your past work?
Look up the contractor you’re meeting with. This includes reviews, details, any lawsuits filed against them etc. Look for anything that may prove them to be untrustworthy. Even if you don’t find anything substantial, ask the contractor for examples of their work for you to look over. A contractor should have some kind of photographic record of their past work, either in a filing cabinet or on their computer. Ask for any kind of proof of their past work, for that extra reassurance that you’re dealing with a legitimate businessman.
#2. Is the scope of my remodeling project okay with you?
Different contractors are equipped to handle different things. Some can completely remake a bathroom from the ground up, while others can only handle smaller bathroom projects. A good way to gauge this is by looking at their previous work. Bathroom contractors will be most drawn to the jobs that suit their specific scope. Describe what you want done to the contractor, and then ask them if that works for them. This will alleviate doubts, as well as remove the need for a site visit.
#3. Are you insured, licensed, and bonded?
If a contractor/sub-contractor works on your house, you need to make absolutely sure that they are both insured, bonded, and licensed according to local state standards. Insurance protects you in the event of an accident during the job, a bond protects you if the contractor fails to pay their workers and being licensed ensures that they’re allowed to operate this type of work legally in the first place. Finding these three things out is imperative.
There are other questions of equal importance, but these three are the first three questions that you should ask, if the contractor hasn’t already answered them of their own accord over the course of the meeting. Research other important questions to ask but remember to ask these first and foremost.
