Choosing the Right Contractor: Essential Tips for Your Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel

  • Dec 4, 2023
  • 3 mins, 1 sec read

Transforming your bathroom or kitchen isn’t just about enhancing your daily living experience; it’s also a strategic move to increase your home’s market value. A well-executed bathroom remodel not only revitalizes the space with improved functionality and aesthetics but can also potentially recoup up to 67% of the project’s cost in home value. However, with the rising costs of materials and labor, it’s crucial to make this investment count. The key to a successful bathroom renovation lies in selecting the right contractor. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you navigate the process of finding the ideal contractor for your bathroom remodeling project, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

Pro Tips for Finding the Right Contractor

Check the Proper License

In Virginia, it’s mandatory for contractors to hold a valid contractor’s license. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a crucial step in protecting your property and peace of mind. Imagine this: if an unlicensed contractor accidentally damages your home, you might find yourself with limited options to recover your costs. That’s why it’s so important to ask for and verify a contractor’s license before any work begins. You can easily check their license status online at DPOR.virginia.gov. This simple step ensures that your home improvement project is in safe, professional hands.

DPOR website contractor license
When searching for a contractor’s license on DPOR.virginia.gov, you’ll find their name, license number, status, specialty, and any disciplinary records. Here is an example of our results.

Insurance Is Crucial

Make sure you’re clear on what your homeowner’s insurance covers compared to the scope of your contractor’s general liability insurance, especially for kitchen and bathroom renovations. For complete understanding, ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy.

Evaluate the Contractor’s Reputation

Evaluate the contractor’s reputation by checking their ratings and reviews on platforms such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, Nextdoor, and the Better Business Bureau. Generally, a rating above 4.0 indicates reliability. Also, don’t hesitate to request references from their previous clients. For added assurance ask for the names of two or three customers you can call as a reference. If they have consistently delivered quality work in the past, they’ll likely be transparent in all their operations and willingly provide the information you need.

Brick- and Mortar Office

Get to know Coradi image

Most established and trustworthy contractors operate from a physical office or showroom, demonstrating their commitment to their business and community. This indicates they’re invested for the long term. When choosing a contractor, ask about their office location. If they don’t have one, you might want to consider partnering with a contractor who does. Having a physical office provides a reliable place to address any issues if they arise.

Don’t let price be your guide

Be wary of bids that seem too good to be true; they usually are. A significantly low bid might mean the contractor is cutting corners with materials, not prioritizing your project, and could lead to you spending more in the long run to rectify issues. It’s better to do it right the first time and invest in quality workmanship.

Contractual Clarity

Create a detailed contract outlining every aspect of the project, including the scope of work, payment schedule, start and completion dates, and the materials to be used. Having a clear contract isn’t a sign of mistrust; rather, it’s about ensuring transparent communication and the success of your renovation project.

Custom Bathroom Renovations

Are you ready to revamp your kitchen or bathroom?

Visit our contact page and get in touch with us. Start your journey towards a beautifully remodeled bathroom or kitchen with the best in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Portsmouth cities – your dream renovation awaits!