How_to_Hire_a_Bathroom_Remodeler_in_PittsburghThe difference between smooth bathroom renovation and an utter nightmare can be your choice of remodeler.

In Pittsburgh, there are no shortage of choices when it comes to professional contractors and bathroom remodeling teams, and the choices can be overwhelming. Following a few simple guidelines can help you hire the right bathroom remodeler and can mean the difference between a low-stress project and weeks of sleepless nights.

Ask For Referrals

If you want to hire a trustworthy team to remodel your bathroom, ask people you trust. After all, this is Pittsburgh, and everybody loves to tell a good story. Ask friends, family and neighbors who they recommend for a bathroom project. If you hear glowing reviews about specific companies or teams, they are worth checking out, especially if the same names keep popping up again and again.

Conduct Interviews

Once you’ve got a list of potential Pittsburgh bathroom remodelers, make appointments to speak to each one in person. Try to keep your pool to no more than three – too many proposals could become overwhelming.  Ask any questions you have about their process, timeline, subcontractor policies and fees. Be sure to talk to them about your ideas and your budget, and if possible, have them visit your home to see the bathroom in person.

You want to sign on with a contractor who you like and who makes you feel comfortable. It’s ok to take your time in the interviewing phase, and be wary of any firm or remodeler that tries to rush you though the decision-making process or who pushes you far outside your budgetary comfort zone.

Ask For References And Testimonials

Always ask potential remodelers for testimonials from past customers. They should be able to provide you with before and after photos and written testimonials that speak to the remodeler’s work, professionalism and prices. Teams that are truly on the up-and-up can also provide contacts for references. Be sure to follow up on those references. Don’t settle on a bathroom remodeler until you feel comfortable that they have done solid work in the past.

In Pittsburgh, Proper Licenses Matter

It is important to note that within the city limits of Pittsburgh, all contractors who work on residential properties must be licensed to work within the city. Failure to follow this guideline can result in significant penalties and fines.  Before hiring a bathroom remodeler in Pittsburgh, verify that their team members (and any sub-contractors they may use) have the appropriate licenses and certifications to keep yourself out of potential hot water.

Even if you don’t live in the city itself, it is essential to check credentials. They should hold the proper licenses and certifications and they should be members of professional organizations. Certifications and licenses ensure that the individuals working on your bathroom are held to proper regularity and codes standards, and they keep you out of trouble when it comes time for the municipality to inspect the work.

Get Everything in Writing

The fastest way to get burned by a contractor is to be lax on written documentation.  Once you’ve chosen a bathroom remodeler, ask for their proposal in writing. Once you receive the documents, study them closely. Do they appear to be professionally prepared?  How detailed is the proposal?

Every proposal and every contract should include information and disclaimers designed to legally protect both you and the remodeler in the event of a dispute. Be sure the documents include:

  • A total bid price
  • A payment schedule
  • Work Scope
  • Site Plan
  • A schedule of construction tasks in sequence from first to last
  • A clause that outlines how changes will be handled
  • Warranty information and work guarantees
  • A dispute resolution clause
  • Lien waiver preventing subcontractors or others from putting a lien on your home if invoices are unpaid
Contracts can be overwhelming. Look for a company that includes as much detail as possible, but in a simple and easy-to-understand document. If you find the documentation to be too difficult for the average person to comprehend, it could be a red flag.

If you are on the lookout for a trusted bathroom remodeler in Pittsburgh Legacy Remodeling is here to help.  Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about our track record, our methods and our ideas to help you get the most from your bathroom remodeling project.