Hiring someone to remodel your bathroom means letting a crew into your home for at least a day, trusting them with plumbing and structural work behind your walls, and living with the results for years afterward. It's worth taking a few minutes before you sign anything to ask the right questions — not to be difficult, but because a contractor who's confident in their work should welcome them. Here's what's worth asking.
Are you licensed and insured?
This is the most basic question, and it should have an immediate, specific answer — not a vague reassurance. Ask to see proof of both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If a worker is injured in your home and the company doesn't carry workers' comp, you could end up liable. Any established contractor will have these documents ready to share without hesitation.
What exactly is included in the quote?
A number on a page doesn't tell you much on its own. Ask what materials are included, whether removal and disposal of your old tub or shower is part of the price, and what would trigger an additional charge — for example, discovering water damage or rot once the old surround comes down. A contractor who walks you through this clearly, before you sign, is one who isn't planning to surprise you later.
How long will the job actually take, and what does that look like day to day?
Ask for a realistic timeline, not just a best-case one. If the company advertises quick installs, ask what "quick" means for your specific bathroom — a straightforward shower-to-shower conversion is a very different job from a full tub-to-shower conversion with structural changes. Also ask whether your bathroom will be usable at all during the work, especially if it's your only full bath.
What's covered by the warranty, and for how long?
"We offer a warranty" isn't a complete answer. Ask specifically what it covers — materials, labor, or both — and for how long. A written warranty you can actually read, rather than a verbal promise, is what protects you if something needs attention after the crew has moved on to the next job.
Who will actually be doing the work?
Some companies that sell the job aren't the ones who show up to do it. Ask whether the crew in your home will be direct employees or subcontractors, and how long they've been doing this specific type of work. There's nothing wrong with subcontractors who are skilled and vetted — but you deserve to know who's actually behind the tool belt.
Can I see examples of similar work, and talk to a past customer?
Photos help, but a willingness to connect you with a past customer — even briefly — tells you a lot about how a company stands behind its work after the check has cleared.
What happens if something is found once the wall is open?
Older bathrooms sometimes hide surprises — soft subflooring, outdated plumbing, or damaged framing that isn't visible until the old surround comes down. Ask how the contractor typically handles this: how you'll be told, how soon, and how those costs are communicated before any additional work happens.
A good contractor won't mind being asked
None of these questions are meant to put anyone on the spot. A contractor who's done this work for years and stands behind it will have straightforward answers ready, because they've heard these questions before and have nothing to hide. If you ever get a vague answer, a pushy response, or pressure to sign on the spot, treat that as useful information in itself.
We're happy to answer every one of these questions directly, in plain language, before you decide on anything. Schedule a free consultation and ask us anything you'd like.