Hiring the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a bathroom remodel.
Bathrooms are small spaces, but they involve a surprising number of moving parts. Plumbing, electrical, tile work, ventilation, waterproofing, scheduling and dust control all need to be handled correctly for the project to go well.
Before signing a contract, Chicago and North Shore homeowners should ask a few key questions.
Is the contractor properly licensed and insured?
Start here. Any contractor you hire for a bathroom remodel should be properly licensed and insured.
Ask for proof of:
- general liability insurance
- Workers’ Compensation insurance
- any required local contractor licensing
- plumbing licensing where applicable
- any required local electrical licensing or registration
If the home was built before 1978, ask whether the contractor is EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Certified.
How much bathroom remodeling experience do they have?
Not all remodeling experience is the same. Bathroom remodeling is especially technical because it combines waterproofing, tile installation, plumbing and electrical coordination in a tight space.
Ask how many bathrooms the contractor has remodeled recently and whether they have completed projects similar to yours. At Get Dwell, our contractors must have remodeled at least 25 bathrooms before they can begin working on one for our clients.
Can they help with layout and design decisions?
A good bathroom remodeling contractor should be able to identify weaknesses in your current layout and explain how the space could function better.
That may include recommendations related to:
- shower size and placement
- vanity layout
- lighting
- storage
- fixture selection
- material durability
Even if you already have ideas, experienced input can help avoid costly design mistakes.
What waterproofing system do they use?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask.
Improper waterproofing is one of the leading causes of bathroom failure. A contractor should be able to explain how they waterproof showers and wet areas, what system they use and what warranty they provide.
Homeowners should never assume waterproofing is handled correctly without asking.
Who pulls the permits?
In most cases, the contractor should manage the permit process.
Ask:
- whether permits are required
- who will pull them
- what inspections will be needed
- how the timeline will account for approvals and inspections
If a contractor wants the homeowner to pull permits, that can be a warning sign.
Who manages the job each day?
You should know who your point of contact is and who is responsible for managing the project day to day.
Bathroom remodeling requires careful coordination among trades. A clear project manager helps keep the job moving, communication organized and quality standards consistent.
Will the crew stay on the project continuously?
Many remodeling delays happen because contractors are moving between multiple jobs.
Ask whether the crew will be committed to your project consistently, what the schedule looks like and what happens if a key person becomes unavailable.
What is included in the estimate?
The estimate should clearly explain:
- scope of work
- included materials
- allowances and exclusions
- payment schedule
- possible change order procedures
- how hidden conditions will be handled
A detailed written estimate helps you compare contractors and avoid misunderstandings.
The right questions can save time, money and stress
Bathroom remodeling success often comes down to planning and communication before work begins. Asking the right questions early can help you spot strong contractors, avoid unnecessary risk and feel more confident moving forward.
Let’s talk about your bathroom remodeling project
Before starting your bathroom remodel, make sure you are asking the right questions. Get Dwell is happy to talk through your project and help you plan the next step! Learn more and request an estimate here