A bathroom can very well be the most important space in your home. It is not only a necessity, but it could function as a place where you spend a lot of time both setting the tone for the day and winding down. Like any home improvement project, you should not dive into it blindly and should have a thorough and open conversation with your contractor before the project. In order to get everyone on the same page and truly understand your vision, here are some questions to ask your contractor before your bathroom remodel.
1.) What can you afford?
Before anything, you need to lay out what you need and what you can afford. That’s not to say you can’t make a wish list of features to add down the road, but it is important the necessities are covered first. Address the space that you’re using and figure out what kind of fixtures you need. Think about the room’s functionality in the house. A powder room with a basic mirror, sink, and toilet will give guests an overall impression of your house whereas children will not think twice about granite countertops or vessel sinks.
2.) What are you using the space for?
Besides the obvious, it is important to thoroughly evaluate how the space will function. It may be a family space where multiple people are bustling around quickly showering, brushing their teeth and getting out the door. It may be a personal mecca where you wind down after a long day and soak in the tub. This will play a key factor in the materials and colors used in the space, so outlining its function is of the utmost importance.
3.) What is the schedule?
Before beginning any home improvement project, it is crucial to outline a schedule. It goes beyond a simple start and end date. You and your contractor should schedule when specific tasks will be taken care of and put deadlines in place such as tiling, cabinets, etc. This helps keep everyone’s expectations congruent and holds everyone accountable. Make sure it is also known when workers will be on site and how many people at each time.
4.) How will my property be protected?
In addition to a set schedule, it is important to know how your property will be protected during remodeling. Make sure you know which dust containment measures are being taken and how the project will be cordoned from the rest of your home. Make sure you communicate about which household items should be removed from the site such as vases, paintings, and curtains. It’s better to move everything you can than to risk damage.
5.) How will you communicate?
Perhaps the most obvious, but also one of the most necessary parts to any project is establishing how you and your contractor will communicate. Do you prefer emails or phone calls and at what time of the day? You can also use cloud-based technology to create schedules and list tasks.