By Peter Cassera

When considering a bathroom renovation, it is important to find a helpful and capable contractor to bring the project to completion, whether you’re building a shower stall or simply replacing your toilet. To ensure a quality renovation, it is important to understand what the responsibilities and services of a contractor are. The prime responsibility of a contractor is to consult and plan the remodeling job. A professional will use his expert guidance to provide blueprints for a functional bathroom with a workable design and explain how this project will be implemented. An experienced professional can take your vision of the project and fill in all the necessary details to make it both affordable and to your expectations.

Another responsibility is giving cost estimates and product specifications. A good contractor will provide the customer with an estimate of all costs associated with the job and a realistic completion schedule. When you hire a more experienced contractor you are paying for these skills which enable him to find the highest quality products at the best prices. With his experience he will recommend a time line based on his designs, available equipment and subcontractor schedules.

One reason for hiring a professional is to ensure that permit applications and required inspections are all completed satisfactorily and on schedule. The contractor will take care of all application fees, meet and complete inspections, acquire permits and work with homeowner’s associations and local municipalities. Another portion of his job is to manage materials, deliveries and see that all clean-up is performed when the job is completed. He may contract and coordinate specialty work to a subcontractor who is a licensed electrician or plumber, for example.

To begin the search for a qualified contractor, check with friends or relatives for recommendations, or use the internet to find a few promising candidates to receive bids and plans to base your hiring decision. Additionally, the company that supplies the various fixtures for your renovation may be able to provide you with a contractor. Their recommendations can be absolutely invaluable and ultimately save you the trouble of seeking someone out to oversee the project. As a customer you must supply measurements, colors, product preferences and detailed descriptions or sketches of what you want. If you wish, arrange separate interviews with several contractors so they can view the work area, learn about the job and provide realistic bids.

Ask for referrals, references and photos of completed jobs. Talk to prior clients about the work performed and their satisfaction. Review all three bids, references and interview results. Select one with a good history of performance, references and overall price. The cheapest bid is not necessarily the best one to choose. Some low bids may be using cheap, inferior products and the final cost of the job could be much more than they originally suggested. However, this does not mean the most expensive contractor is necessarily the best.

Ask to see a contractor license and certification of insurance. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints or outstanding achievements as well. The many aspects that revolve around a contracting job can all influence the outcome of a bathroom renovation, so choose a contractor carefully.

About the Author: Since 1982, Caldwell Plumbing & Heating Supply has been providing exceptional service and expertise in the areas of plumbing and heating, providing everything from bathroom remodeling supplies to modern home heating solutions.

caldwellplumbingsupply.com/

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