Tips on choosing the right contractor for your vintage bathroom design project

Planning for a vintage bathroom design is an exciting endeavor. After saving up, you’ll put your hard-earned money toward the room of your dreams. The first step is to make the important decision in choosing the right clawfoot tub; the next step is picking the right contractor.

While some bathroom do-it-yourself projects, like laying tile and repairing a leaky faucet, can be a breeze for a homeowner to complete, an entire remodeling job should be left to professionals. Cast iron tubs and other antique bath fixtures represent quality design and materials, so they should be handled with the best care.

Shop around
Start your search with wide parameters. Ask your friends and families for references if they have recently had work done in their home. Browse through independent review sites to get honest opinions from other homeowners as to the professionalism of the contracting staff and their workmanship.

Vetting process
Preliminary questions – You’re putting your home in the hands of another, so complete a thorough vetting process. First, ask how long the contractor has been in business. He or she should have at least three to five years under his or her belt.

Check references – If someone referred a contractor or company to you, be sure to ask them about their experience. In contrast, if there was no reference, ask for one. Reputable contractors will provide phone numbers of people who are willing to talk about the quality of work completed.

Licensure – Ask about the licensure status. Not all states require this, so find out the rules in your area. Be sure any company claiming to be licensed has up-to-date records. When a general contractor has been licensed, he or she has taken an exam indicating knowledge of building codes and construction principles.

Insurance – Another vital question is to ask if the workers are insured. If a contractor or any of their employees gets hurt while working in your home, you could be liable for their health care bills and other associated costs. Be sure to get proof of insurance that covers your home and other liabilities, such as damage to an adjacent house.

Past portfolio – Bathroom remodeling projects are common, so a contractor should have examples to show of previous work. Be sure to ask for samples of similar projects like working with cast iron tubs.

Permit – Many times construction work requires permits. The contractors will provide these, but verify what will be included in the services offered.

Contract – Be sure to hash out a contract detailing the entire remodeling project. It should note the length of the project, during which hours work will be completed, the guidelines of adhering to the budget and more.

Warranty – A warranty should be included in the paper work. Reputable contractors are proud of their work and will fix any issues that may arise.

Just follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a chic new bathroom that fits your vintage design atheistic perfectly.