Much has been said of the home as a sanctuary. It’s where most people clip their wings and relax after a grueling day at work. Much more, a house holds a hoard of memories that largely contributed to a person’s outlook and well-being. So much so that messing it even without meaning to would be highly regrettable.
That’s why deciding to do some home renovations, even just a bathroom make-over, is never a walk in the park. Many factors must be considered, from the budget to your theme and the timetable with which you foresee the job to be completed. There has to be a plan, especially since your newly renovated bathroom shouldn’t only be cozy and functional but should blend well with the overall ambience of your home.
It’s no wonder why most homeowners hire professional service providers for bathroom renovation. Being professionals, this team of renovators knows how to execute a renovation process, considering the need to preserve the structural makeup of a home. Likewise, they know their way around working within the limit of renovation permits. Stuff like these takes so much energy and time to figure out. Thus, putting it in the hands of professionals is a sound decision.
But how do you choose a bathroom renovation professional? Here are practical tips that would come in handy in making a decision:
Check for Credentials
A company’s credentials outline the entirety of its body work over the years. It’s a showcase of what bathroom renovators such as Bathroom Capital are capable of as an entity.
In addition to showing what service providers can do, credentials also embody an organization’s adherence to licensing requirements and regulations that the company’s locality espouses. After all, no business would remain afloat in any industry if it’s negligent of its responsibilities to the state.
Ask Around
It pays to do a little research, whether online or among friends and acquaintances. Online forums on related topics and concerns are a treasure trove of information for some dissatisfied clients. Moreover, any critical and discontented remarks are just but too hard to smoother and be swept under the rug.
In the same token, it’s hard to silence a disappointed customer. They would most likely blow off some steam. After all, it’s their money and sanctuary that was blundered.
Verify References
A company that will reluctantly provide you with references undoubtedly raises some red flags. Almost always, contractors brag about their projects, and their inability to provide references is a significant cause for concern. It’s because the normal order of things follows that the more a business flashes its triumphs, the more it expands its client base.
Once you’re provided with a list, find time to call the contractors’ previous customers. Then, try to get answers to these questions:
- Were they happy with the results?
- Was the project done on time?
- Was the budget being followed?
- Was the team easy to handle?
Meet with Shortlisted Candidates
After gathering data on some, narrow down your choices and find time to talk to them personally. It’s best not to do it by phone, though. Instead, visit their workshops or their stores. The best information one can get about a service provider is first-hand information. You can get a feel of how a company works once you step inside their premises.
In the same manner, a contractor would get a feel on how serious you are with the possibility of working with them. Some companies shy away from a job contract because they dread working with a difficult customer.
Meeting each other in person would somehow allow you both to level off; establish rapport and trust with each other. Bathroom renovations will surely be in jeopardy if the two parties are at each other throats even before the project begins.
Put Everything on Paper
As a client, you need to be specific about what you want to achieve with your dream project. The design, type, and color of materials, lighting, and the rest of the fixtures should be well thought of. Put everything on paper.
Also, after everything was done and you have finally chosen the contractor you deem acceptable according to your requirements, it’s best to put any agreements on paper. Doing so is beneficial for all parties in the sense that if one reneges on the terms of your contract, the other party can very well run after the other. It’s a win-win deal for both parties.
Your Thumbprint
Essentially, successful bathroom renovations always have the homeowner’s thumbprint. Its success or doom rests mainly on your own preparedness, diligence, and vigilance. The contractor is just the executor of your plan. Thus, you can always agree to make adjustments along the way.
As it is, we carve our own path – be it life in general, and in reaching our dreams, bathroom renovation included.