Remodeling a bathroom will give you one of the biggest returns per dollar spent so whether you are looking for a simple update or a complete over hall you will get your money’s worth when it comes time to sell your home.   The average cost of remodeling a bathroom ranges from $6,500 to $11,500 when you are redoing everything. Of course that number can easily be lowered if you are doing a simple update or can go much higher if you are choosing high end features.

Unless you are doing a simple change like changing faucets, hardware, or even a toilet you most likely are going to want to hire  a professional.  With so many choices of who to hire there are a few basics you should know beforehand. If you are doing a full renovation and redesign of the room you want to make sure you hire someone who has knowledge with bathrooms. Find someone who is a member of the   National Kitchen & Bath Association. There are also thousands of individuals certified by NKBA as Certified Kitchen Designers and/or Certified Bathroom Designers. Meet with several people until you find someone who sees your vision and understands your budget and desires for this room. Meeting with a few people will also allow you to get estimates for what the job will cost.

After you have a design the next step is to get contractors who will be the ones actually doing the job. If you are dealing with a NKBA designer they will most likely do this for you but if you are not using a designer then it is up to you to find the contractors to do the job. When hiring a contractor you need to make sure that they are licensed, bonded,  and insured. You will want to have them provide you with references from previous clients. Anyone who hesitates doing so should automatically not be considered for the job.  Do not go out and hire the first contractor you contact, talk to at least 2 or 3 and get estimates from each. Make sure to ask the contractor as well as your county if you need permits for the job. If the county tells you yes and the contractor says no, again automatically stop doing business with them. Also check with the BBB and your state’s attorney general to see if there have been any complaints about the contractor. Keep note as to whether the contractor or designer is punctual for your first meeting. If they are late that may be a sign of what is to come in the future in times of completing the project in a timely manner.

Make sure that the payment schedule is clear. Do not ever pay upfront for the project. Most reputable contractors will ask for 1/3 to 1/2 of the payment up front, another 1/3 or so when large items like tubs, showers, or cabinetry is delivered, and the remaining balance when the job is completed.  You can also consider purchasing the tub, sink, cabinets, etc… directly yourself  if you feel more comfortable.

When it comes to the electrical work make sure there are GFCI ( Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters ) outlets installed anywhere near where water especially around tubs and sinks. These outlets will prevent electric shock from occurring. The breaker will shut off if and when there is exposure to water.

Once hired it is a good idea to meet every morning when the foreman for the job arrives to see what is to be accomplished that day and if they or you have any questions or issues to be resolved. Follow the progress of the job closely and make sure you bring up issues as you see them and do not wait until it is too late to fix. If you do not like the paint color or tile you pick out, be vocal, you are the one who will have to live with the room the way that it is. It is much easier to pull up one or two tiles rather than the whole floor. Remember you are the boss and in charge of the project so do not be afraid to ask questions along the way and enjoy your new bathroom!

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