Questions to Ask a Bathroom Remodel Contractor Before You Hire
Hiring the right contractor for a bathroom remodel matters more than most homeowners expect going in. The bathroom is a small space, but the systems inside it — tile, plumbing, waterproofing, ventilation — require specific sequencing and skill. A mistake in the shower pan waterproofing or the exhaust vent routing won't show up for months, and fixing it after tile is set is expensive.
These questions are designed to surface the contractors who understand that — and filter out the ones who don't.
Before the first meeting: check the basics
Before you spend time on a walkthrough, confirm a few baseline things.
Are they licensed in Colorado? Colorado requires a general contractor license for projects over a certain dollar threshold, and a separate plumbing license for any plumbing work. You can look up license status through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies at apps2.colorado.gov. A contractor who can't provide a license number for plumbing work when asked is a red flag.
Do they carry general liability and workers' comp? Ask for a certificate of insurance naming your address, not just a verbal confirmation. This protects you if something is damaged on your property or if a worker is injured during the project.
Do they pull permits for bathroom remodels? In most Denver metro municipalities, a bathroom remodel that includes plumbing changes, structural modifications, or electrical work requires a permit. Contractors who skip permits do so to save time and money — not yours. Unpermitted work can create issues when you sell the home.
Questions about the scope and scope changes
What exactly is included in this bid — and what isn't? A bathroom remodel quote can look similar on paper while covering very different amounts of work. Ask what demo includes (tile removal, drywall removal, subfloor inspection), what waterproofing is included and which product they use, and whether the quote covers permit fees or not.
How are material allowances handled? Some contractors quote a fixed price that includes an allowance for tile, fixtures, or vanity. If your selections exceed the allowance, you pay the difference. Ask what the allowance is for each category and whether it's realistic for what you're selecting.
What triggers a change order? Once work starts, surprises happen — subfloor rot behind a tub, corroded supply lines, out-of-level floors that need mud bed correction. Ask how they handle change orders in writing: what requires one, how they notify you, and what the markup is on materials for changes. The kitchen remodel change orders post covers the change order process in detail — the same logic applies to bathroom projects.
Questions about their process
Who does the work — your crew or subcontractors? Many remodeling companies run a small core crew and subcontract out plumbing, electrical, or tile. That's not automatically a problem, but you should know who's in your home and who's accountable for each trade. Ask specifically who handles the waterproofing and tile — those are the most failure-prone steps in a bathroom remodel.
What waterproofing system do you use in the shower? A competent contractor will have a specific answer: RedGard, Wedi board, Schluter KERDI, Laticrete Hydro Ban, or similar. An answer of "cement board and we caulk it" is not adequate waterproofing for a shower. Cement board is a substrate — not a waterproof barrier.
How do you handle the shower pan / floor slope? The shower floor needs to slope toward the drain consistently — typically 1/4 inch per foot. Ask how they achieve and verify this. Vague answers here are a warning sign.
How long will the project take and what's the access schedule? Bathroom remodels in the Denver metro typically run two to four weeks depending on scope. Ask for a phase schedule and how many hours per day the crew will be on site. The bathroom remodel timeline post breaks down what the phases look like and when to expect each one.
Questions about payment
What's the deposit and payment schedule? A reasonable deposit on a bathroom remodel is typically in the range of 25–35% to cover materials and mobilization. Be cautious of contractors who ask for more than half upfront, particularly on a smaller bathroom project where material costs are limited.
Do you mark up materials? Some contractors build material markup into their bids. Others charge labor only and pass materials through at cost. Ask directly, and ask what documentation you'll receive for materials purchased. The no markup on materials post explains how this works in practice.
What are your payment milestones tied to? Payments should be tied to completed phases, not calendar dates. Examples: deposit at signing, next payment at completion of rough plumbing and waterproofing inspection, next at tile completion, final at punch list sign-off. The kitchen remodel payment schedule post covers the milestone model in detail — the same principles apply to bathroom work.
Questions about the finished product
What warranty do you offer on your work? Ask specifically what's covered, for how long, and what the process is if something fails. A contractor who offers a written warranty on labor has confidence in the work.
Can I see a recent bathroom project in person or talk to a past client? Referrals and references matter more in remodeling than almost anywhere else because the quality of the work doesn't always show in photos. A contractor willing to put you in touch with past clients has confidence in their work.
What does the punch list and final walkthrough process look like? Before final payment is made, you should walk through the finished bathroom with the contractor and document anything that needs correction. Ask how they handle the punch list and how long corrections take.
One more thing
If you're evaluating multiple bids, read how to compare remodel estimates before making a decision. Bathroom bids in particular are difficult to compare without leveling the scope — this guide walks through how to do it correctly. When you're ready to talk through a bathroom project, request an estimate here.
