Questions to Ask a Bathroom Contractor
Protect your budget and timeline with specific contractor questions about scope, waterproofing, change orders, and warranties for bathroom remodels.
1Can you walk me through your typical bathroom remodel timeline by phase?
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Can you walk me through your typical bathroom remodel timeline by phase?
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Why this works
Establishes expectations and reveals scheduling realism and dependencies.
2How do you handle waterproofing for showers and tubs—materials and methods?
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How do you handle waterproofing for showers and tubs—materials and methods?
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Why this works
Targets failure-prone areas; specifics indicate quality and code compliance.
3What’s included in your bid vs. considered an allowance?
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What’s included in your bid vs. considered an allowance?
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Why this works
Prevents budget creep by clarifying fixtures, tile, and finish selections.
4How are change orders documented and priced?
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How are change orders documented and priced?
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Why this works
Avoids disputes with a clear paper trail and pricing formula.
5Who will be on-site daily and who supervises subs?
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Who will be on-site daily and who supervises subs?
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Why this works
Identifies responsibility and communication during the build.
6Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ comp? Can you provide proof?
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Do you carry liability insurance and workers’ comp? Can you provide proof?
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Why this works
Protects you from liability and ensures professional standards.
7Can I see recent bathroom projects with references?
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Can I see recent bathroom projects with references?
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Why this works
Checks craftsmanship and client satisfaction for similar scope.
8How do you protect adjacent rooms and manage dust?
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How do you protect adjacent rooms and manage dust?
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Why this works
Assesses site protection practices that impact daily living.
9What’s your plan for ventilation, moisture control, and code requirements?
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What’s your plan for ventilation, moisture control, and code requirements?
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Why this works
Prevents mold and ensures long-term durability and safety.
10How do you verify plumbing and electrical are to code before close-up?
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How do you verify plumbing and electrical are to code before close-up?
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Why this works
Ensures inspections and checklists reduce rework risk.
11What is your warranty on workmanship and materials?
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What is your warranty on workmanship and materials?
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Why this works
Aligns expectations for support if defects appear post-completion.
12How do you handle lead times and supply delays?
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How do you handle lead times and supply delays?
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Why this works
Tests contingency planning for materials and sequencing.
13Will you obtain all required permits, and how are inspections scheduled?
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Will you obtain all required permits, and how are inspections scheduled?
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Why this works
Confirms compliance and project momentum with authorities.
14What is the payment schedule tied to milestones?
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What is the payment schedule tied to milestones?
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Why this works
Protects cash flow and incentivizes progress.
15How do you manage tile layout and transitions for aesthetics?
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How do you manage tile layout and transitions for aesthetics?
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Why this works
Reveals attention to detail and design coordination.
16What brands and systems do you prefer for shower pans and valves?
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What brands and systems do you prefer for shower pans and valves?
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Why this works
Connects brand choices to reliability and serviceability.
17How will you confirm slope and drainage in wet areas?
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How will you confirm slope and drainage in wet areas?
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Why this works
Prevents pooling and long-term water damage.
18What access will you need daily and what hours do you work?
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What access will you need daily and what hours do you work?
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Why this works
Aligns logistics with household routines and noise limits.
19What are the biggest risks to schedule and budget on this project?
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What are the biggest risks to schedule and budget on this project?
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Why this works
Invites transparency and proactive mitigation planning.
20Can we review a detailed scope of work before signing?
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Can we review a detailed scope of work before signing?
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Why this works
Locks alignment on deliverables and reduces surprises.
Bathroom Remodel Contracting 101
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Scope, Specs, and Proof
Document Everything
Put selections, layouts, and tolerances in writing to avoid ambiguity.
Vet Waterproofing
Ask for product names and installation standards; water drives most failures.
Link Payments to Milestones
Release funds only after verifiable progress to reduce risk.
Milestone Schedule
Five Milestones
Common Pitfalls
Vague Allowances
Unclear fixture budgets inflate costs later—spec real items up front.
No Dust Control
Insist on barriers, negative air, and clean-up plans.