Alright, you're ready to tackle that bathroom remodel. That's great! But before you jump in, you need to pick the right crew for the job. And let me tell you, there are a lot of folks out there who say they can do the work, but not everyone can deliver. I've seen it all in Inglewood, from beautiful transformations to absolute nightmares. So, how do you sort the wheat from the chaff? Here's my take.
What Questions Should You Ask Every Contractor?
When someone comes to your house, don't just let them walk around and give you a number. You've got to interview them. This is your home, your money, and your sanity we're talking about. So, here are the questions I'd hit them with:
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. Ask for their California contractor's license number and proof of liability insurance. You can verify the license online with the CSLB. No license, no deal. Period.
- How long have you been doing bathroom remodels specifically? A general contractor might be great at building houses, but bathrooms have their own quirks—plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation. You want someone who lives and breathes bathrooms.
- Can you provide references from recent, similar projects? And don't just take their word for it. Call those references. Ask about communication, timelines, cleanliness, and if they'd hire them again.
- Who will be doing the actual work? Your crew, or subcontractors? It's fine if they use subs, but you need to know who's responsible for what. And ask if those subs are also licensed and insured.
- What's your typical project timeline for a bathroom like mine? They should be able to give you a realistic range. If they promise a full gut and remodel in three days, they're either lying or cutting corners, right?
- How do you handle changes or unexpected issues? Things pop up, especially in older Inglewood homes where you might find old knob and tube wiring or unexpected plumbing layouts. A good contractor has a clear process for this.
- What's your payment schedule? Never pay more than 10% or $1,000 (whichever is less) as a down payment. The rest should be tied to completed milestones, not just dates.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
A quote isn't just a price tag; it's a detailed plan. If it's just a single number on a napkin, walk away. A good quote should be comprehensive and clear. Here's what I expect to see:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should list exactly what's included. Every fixture, every material, every step of the process.