Look, we get it. General contractors don’t have the best reputation when it comes to trust. You’ve likely heard plenty of horror stories or have experienced a bad contractor in the past. And let’s be real… some contractors do bad work, add unexpected costs, or do work that isn’t up to code.
It’s natural to feel nervous. The last thing you want is to hire someone, only to be disappointed with the final result.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners with their tub and shower remodels, even as they’ve had these exact concerns. As a fully licensed, local company, we understand how the wrong contractor can lead to frustration (putting it lightly). And even though we have the credentials to back ourselves up, we know we aren’t the contractor for everyone.
This article will cover how to find a qualified contractor who works best for you. We’ll go over:
- Checking a company’s reputation
- How to look at a contractor’s licensing
- Finding liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation info
- Questions to ask during a consultation
- Comparing estimates between contractors
By the end, you will know how to find the right, qualified contractor for your remodel. That way, you can feel confident before the work begins.
Start by Checking the Tub and Shower Remodeler’s Reputation
This might seem like common knowledge, but always look at a contractor’s reputation and how they respond to bad reviews. The best materials in the world won’t matter if a contractor does shoddy work.
Here’s what you can check:
Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Look at the number of reviews, the star rating, and what people say about the company. This means looking at the good, the bad, and the ugly.
On top of that, pay attention to how a company responds to reviews (especially the negative). If you’re seeing a contractor argue or place blame on the customer, take that as a massive red flag.
Yelp
This website works a little differently from Google. Yelp sometimes gives more weight to reviews from its frequent users. It also likes lengthy reviews. This isn’t a perfect system by any means, but it does indicate that Yelp “filters” certain reviews.
Many honest, lengthy reviews for a contractor will typically be more dependable than one with a few shorter reviews. However, longer reviews tend to stand out. So you’ll see the many reviews of people who are really happy or really angry, but more down the middle reviews are hard to find.
Yelp reviews can be helpful. However, we recommend that you include other review websites when looking for the right general contractor.
Word of Mouth
Like a small town, word spreads fast.
San Diego and Orange Counties are a lot bigger than a small town, of course. However, the sentiment is the same: a bad reputation can spread fast. If you trust your neighbor and they say, “Don’t go with them. I had a terrible experience,” it’s something worth considering.
Note: This method shouldn’t be the end-all, be-all. Don’t let the anecdote of one person determine your greater decision.
Look At The Contractor’s Licensing
In California, every contractor must have a license through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). These licenses show the state has approved the company to do certain types of work. Some licenses are for simple jobs. Others allow a company to touch the structure of your home.
These are the licenses to look for when it comes to your tub or shower remodel:
Class B License
A contractor must have a class B License if they’re touching anything structural, such as studs, joists, or framing. This license is often required for full tub and shower remodels.
Avoid B-2 Licenses for Tub and Shower Areas
Some companies will only have a B-2 license, which is for cosmetic work. Contractors with a B-2 license are not allowed to touch structural areas inside a shower or tub wall. So the contractor may not be allowed to rebuild parts that protect your home from water safely. Instead, they’ll have to hire a subcontractor.
Plumbing License
Even if you’re only replacing a valve or P-trap, it’s safer to choose a company with a proper plumbing license.
Think about it: the tub and shower area is one of the most critical places in your home. It’s hit with water daily. If there is a leak in that area, you have to tear out finished walls to get to the work. Letting anyone who isn’t a licensed plumber work in this area can be a massive and costly mistake.
Plumbing is a common area where leaks start. Small mistakes can lead to mold, rot, or costly repairs later. While a plumbing license isn’t essential, we recommend finding an experienced company that handles plumbing work in-house. Thought you should require a plumbing license if you want to make sure the job is done right.
How to Check for Licensing
You can look up any contractor on the CSLB website. You can search by company name or license number.
The CSLB page will show a company’s:
- License status (active or inactive)
- Classifications (B, B-2, plumbing, etc.)
- Worker’s Comp Information
- Any complaints
- Complaints will appear in big red letters.
It’s good practice to look up any company you’re considering. We encourage you to practice with us at Shugarman’s Bath.
- Contractor name: Shugarman’s Bath
- License #: 1060677
Confirm They Have Proper Insurance and Workers’ Comp
You will also find this information when you look up a contractor on the CSLB website.
A good contractor will always have:
- General liability insurance to protect your home if something gets damaged on the job.
- Workers’ Compensation to protect you if a worker gets hurt while working in your home.
- This is incredibly important. Some companies hire people “off the street” or from places like major home department stores. If that worker gets hurt and the contractor doesn’t have Workers’ Compensation, you are responsible for paying their medical costs. You are also at risk of the worker going after you in court.
Also, Check That the Contractor is Bonded
You guessed it: this will also show up when looking up a contractor on the CSLB website.
Bonding protects you if the contractor fails to complete your project or violates state law.
Asking the Right Questions During a Consultation
It’s okay if you’re unsure what you need to ask a contractor. Here are 16 questions to ask any contractor, along with the reasons you’re asking.
1. What is your process for protecting my home during the tub and shower remodeling process?
You want a clear picture of how they will protect your floors, walls, and belongings so nothing gets damaged.
2. How easy is the product you are installing to clean and maintain?
Some materials are easier to clean than others. Know what care is needed after the job is done.
3. How long will I be without the use of my tub or shower?
This helps plan your daily routine.
4. Do you guarantee your response time?
If they advertise good communication, they need to deliver on it. You want to know how fast they can answer questions or fix problems.
5. Is the price on your bid a rough estimate or a guaranteed final price?
Some companies give rough estimates that can rise later. A final price typically helps you avoid surprise bills.
6. Under what circumstances could my price change?
If a contractor changes the price too easily, your job could cost more than expected.
7. Is your warranty in writing, and is it attached to your contract?
A written warranty protects you if something goes wrong later. If it isn’t in writing, it basically doesn’t exist.
8. Is all the plumbing in the tub and shower area under warranty for life, or just the valve?
Some companies only protect a small part of the plumbing. See how much protection you really get.
9. Do you guarantee your sealant for as long as I live in the home?
Sealant keeps water out of the walls. You want long-term coverage if the sealant fails.
10. How long do you guarantee the waterproofing in your wall system?
You want your walls to stay dry year after year. Compare protection between contractors.
11. Do you use subcontractors?
Some companies might not be qualified to work in certain areas and need to subcontract. You want to know who will be in and out of your home.
Also, this can give you an indication of whether your project might be delayed beyond the initial projection. More subcontractors can slow a project down if not well coordinated.
12. Will the contractor doing the plumbing have the proper license?
You want someone qualified to do plumbing so you can prevent leaks and mold.
13. Does the exterior surface of your material have antimicrobial protection?
Antimicrobial surfaces help reduce mold and mildew.
14. How do you support the base of your shower or tub?
A strong base prevents movement, cracking, and long-term damage.
15. What happens if you discover mold after taking out my old tub or shower?
Check whether a company handles mold and whether they do so safely.
16. Is your company local?
Local companies are typically easier to reach and can be more dependable.
Download our Buyer’s Guide that goes more into these questions.
Compare Estimates Between Contractors
When you start receiving estimates, here’s what to look for:
Choose Fixed Pricing If Possible
Some contractors give a ‘low estimate,’ then raise the price during the job. So look for clear descriptions on the estimate. A good estimate includes:
- Materials used
- What all is included
- What isn’t included
- What could cause a change order
If something is vague, ask about it.
Compare Warranty Details
You need to ask:
- How long does the warranty last?
- What does it cover?
- What does it exclude?
- Does it cover materials and labor?
Some companies can have warranties with loopholes. Certain remodels may only offer one-time service calls, which void the warranty after the work is done. There are also some warranties that have clauses that say that if you don’t properly maintain the area, it is voided. So if caulking fails, the contractor could put you at fault and void the warranty.
Be Careful With Large Upfront Payments
Some companies take a big portion of the money before the work starts. This reduces your protection if something goes wrong. If a contractor is asking for a massive portion of your total cost upfront, they might be financially unstable or unable to operate without it.
Note: It is illegal in California for a contractor to take a deposit of more than 10% or $1000 (whichever is less). Anything above that 10% would be a progress payment, which is used for ordering materials, organizing, and preparing the install.
Choose a Contractor That Gives You Peace of Mind
To review, here’s the simplified list to narrow down the right contractor:
- Check reviews (Google, BBB, Yelp)
- Verify the contractor’s CSLB license
- Confirm liability insurance and Workers’ Comp
- Also, check that the contractor is bonded
- Ask the 16 questions during your consultations
- Review the estimates and warranties
After all those steps, the final step is deciding who gives you peace of mind. Remodeling is already stressful. Now you know the steps to protecting your home from an unqualified contractor.
Next, read our article on the differences between tub and shower specialists vs general contractors for your remodel.
If you’re still unsure where to start for your remodel, Shugarman’s Bath can help you take that next step. Schedule a free consultation with Shugarman’s Bath to see if we are a good fit for your tub or shower remodel.
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