10 Questions to Ask a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
The 10 Questions — and Why Each One Matters
A contractor who answers these confidently, with specifics, is demonstrating the transparency and competence that separates good work from mediocre work.
“Are you licensed in my state, and can I see your current liability insurance and workers' comp certificate?”
Why this matters: Licensing requirements vary by state. Unlicensed contractors can't pull permits, which means uninspected work that creates problems at resale. Liability insurance protects your home if something goes wrong; workers' comp protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property.
“Will you pull permits for this project?”
Why this matters: Bathroom remodels that move plumbing, alter electrical or change structure are the ones most likely to need a permit — ask your city or county building department what your scope triggers. Unpermitted work is a disclosure requirement at sale and can trigger costly correction orders. A contractor who resists permits is a red flag.
“What does your tear-out process include — do you inspect the subfloor and walls before tiling?”
Why this matters: Water damage behind bathroom tile is extremely common and only visible during demolition. Ask specifically: what happens if you find rot in the subfloor or mold in the wall cavity? You want a clear process and a clear cost per sq ft for remediation, not a surprise change order.
“What brands and grades of materials are included in this bid?”
Why this matters: Tile, fixtures, and vanities vary enormously in quality and price. A $12,000 bid can include builder-grade everything or mid-range everything — and they look identical on paper. Ask for the specific product names, series, and grades included.
“How do you handle unexpected discoveries during demolition?”
Why this matters: Good contractors price known scope and have a documented process for change orders on unknown conditions. Ask to see their change order form and their typical approach: fixed per-unit pricing (e.g., $X per sq ft of subfloor replacement) is better than "we'll figure it out."
“What's your payment schedule?”
Why this matters: Never pay more than 30–40% upfront. A typical fair schedule: 30% at contract signing, 30% at rough-in inspection, 30% at substantial completion, 10% at final walkthrough. Contractors who want 50%+ upfront are a risk.
“Who specifically will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?”
Why this matters: Many contractors subcontract tile, plumbing, or electrical. That's normal — but you should know who's in your home and whether those subs carry their own insurance. Ask if you can meet the lead installer before signing.
“What warranty do you offer on labor, and how is it separate from product warranties?”
Why this matters: Tile installation warranties and fixture manufacturer warranties are different from the contractor's workmanship guarantee. Ask explicitly: if grout cracks or caulk fails in year 2, is that covered? Get the terms in writing.
“How long will the project take, and how do you define "completion"?”
Why this matters: Get a start date and a completion date in the contract. Ask what happens if the project runs over — is there a penalty, or is the timeline aspirational? Also ask how many other projects they'll be running simultaneously.
“Can you provide references from three jobs completed in the last 6 months?”
Why this matters: Recent references reveal current quality and current communication. Ask references specifically: were there surprises in cost, were they on-site as promised, and would they hire this contractor again?
Red Flags to Watch For
Any of these during your contractor search should prompt closer scrutiny or disqualification:
- Requests >50% payment upfront
- Refuses to pull permits or suggests you pull them yourself
- Can't provide proof of insurance within 24 hours
- Provides a verbal estimate only, no written scope
- Significantly underbids competitors without explanation
- Pressures you to sign the same day