Let’s say I have made the decision to remodel my bathroom. What are the min things I should be thinking about, prior to finding and hiring a contractor to do the work?
Is there any homework I should do prior to the project that would help ensure it goes smoothly?
There are two main areas to consider, and they can be applied to any project really. First, you should think of your goals/wants! What are your must-haves, your wants and what bonus-features would you like if they can be included? What materials do you like, what is your style preference, etc. If you want more than a face-lift in your bathroom, consider what space you can give up in adjacent rooms if expansion is desirable. What current features do you want to preserve if any, and what about your current bathroom doesn’t work? Many times, looking on Buildzoom or other sites for ideas is helpful, and using images to communicate your wish list can be more helpful to you and your eventual contractor than just a list. You’ll also need to know what your budget is. Please, please don’t pick an arbitrary number. Set a goal based on the average project cost in your area (keeping in mind what materials and features you’re planning for), but know that chances are good you’ll need at least 10-15% beyond the original project amount to cover unexpected costs or upgrades you decide on.
The second area would be your contractor. Ask about their qualifications, their license number, their specialties, etc. Ask for references and politely check with them. Check them out online through sites like Buildzoom, the BBB, etc. If they are defensive or stand-offish, mark them off the list. Do they seem to be honest, sincere, hard-working, creative, etc.? Do they understand what you’re looking for? Do they seem responsible and respectful of you and your home? Do your homework, or you’ll regret it later. Also, do keep in mind that contractors are not commodities. This means that every contractor is NOT the same, so basing your decision on price alone is not a good idea. There can be a significant difference between quality of work, service, materials used, creativity, etc. from one contractor to the next.
bathrooms are a big investment when in comes to home remodeling.
i have done bathrooms in excess of 60K. the most important part is the shower and what system to use. I will only use Schulter Kerdi System. As specality items are selected like multi heads and steamers the project can become very complex. I have always made it a rule not to start a bathroom until all the material has arrived on site, i just waited 2months for a tile that was “in stock” that would have been a major inconvience for owner.
final thought, ask contractor for input on design/layout, a great contractor will have interior designers that they work with and can help with selections.
First you should hire a licensed contractor who is fully insured and then maybe get some ideas from magazines or websites such as houzz.
First thing First,
Budget, is there enough funds to fuel your project, Second ,the existing condition of your entire home, for example, these few items should be listed to prevent unexpected cost. pest report or home inspection. Now, third, list your ideas and make selections on materials to be used for your project. Although you havnt sat down with a professional remodeling consultant, you can save alot of time doing some of the foot travling to save on consuting fees. Once youve reached a solid idea, call your remodeling professional and bring your collected ideas to reality.
Good Luck
Rich/Venco
#1 Budget, be realistic because you really do get what you pay for. Know what you want in your bathroom.
#2 Design; have a color pallet of your ideas and finishes assembled, this will save much time in the design process / estimating, or have your contractor help you with ideas to make it happen.
#3 Review a schedule with your contractor and be sure they will be able to meet your time constraints ahead of time.
#4 Stick with your finalized plans! This is were costs can escalate and delays increase drastically.
Prior to searching for a contractor, you should develop a prioritized list of desired improvements, and a target budget. Separate the prioritized list into must-haves, fairly-importants, and nice-to-haves.
If your budget isn’t sky-high, or if you haven’t done a remodel before, I recommend speaking fairly quickly to a contractor, in order to see the extent to which your target budget and your list of requirements line up.
As a Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) contractor I would like to point out that the bathroom is the first place in the home where people begin to have difficulty when they experience mobility issues. Whether you want to live in your current home for the rest of your life, have older or disabled visitors, or simply be prepared for a sports or accident related injury, it is important to consider how your new bathroom will work for someone experiencing mobility issues. The school of design which creates beautiful and accessible spaces for people of all ages and abilities is called Universal Design or Better Living Design. Some things to consider are:
A wider door Most bathroom doors are 2'-0" to 2'-4" wide. 2'-8" is generall y considered the minimum width for easy access
Non slip floors Bathroom floors get wet and a surface that is not slippery when wet is important for safety
Room to maneuver A 5' diameter unobstructed circle is ideal as a turning radius for a wheelchair
Something to hold onto. Grab bars are a great safety feature. If you don't want them now, add blocking so they can be added easily later.
Plan for the future Features like removable fronts on vanities can make your bathroom adaptable for changing needs
A Curbless Shower Creating a shower with no barrier to entry will give you a spa like bath that will serve you and your loved ones for the rest of your life.
These ideas and others can be found on my website at www.solidrockenterprises.com
By plaDo lead testing prior to demolition, especially if your home was built prior to 1978 (in which case you should hire an EPA lead safe certified firm). New tile also can have lead. Learn more about lead here: http://www2.epa.gov/lead/renovation-repair-and-painting-program 
Rhoda http://www.billfryconstruction.com/
Know what you want and set aside a budget on how much you can afford to spend. Then and only then will you and your contractor understand each other. http://www.craftbuilt.com.au