Bathroom Remodel and Other Finish Work

[Marker42]

Hi Cate,

I am a contractor with no shortage of work because of our quality and buisness practices. I am not soliciting your work and not currently accepting new customers. That being said, one thing not to due is use a lead generating service. Go on a referals and reviewing of potential contractors work. A good contractor will not require a deposit until the job starts.(except for a partial on special order items). Have them verify any subs. have GL and comp. insurance, lead certification(prior 76 homes), in good standing with the state of NH.(see nh.gov site buisness listings). Make sure they run clean lettered vehicles and have good equipment. (this shows professionalism).

Tom

[CateP]

Just want to give an update on the process of finding contractors. Some lessons learned already...

• local people are great for recommendations (hardware store, paint store, anybody that has lived in an area for awhile)
• great recommendations don't always pan out
• some contractors care more about their reputations and tell you so
• egos should be checked at the door
• different contractors will rarely agree on how to approach a certain project
• prices will vary on the same project (greatly sometimes)
• hire somebody for a small inexpensive job first before letting them tackle the big ticket items
• get everything in writing with details about exactly what will be done, cost and terms (no verbal quotes)
• as a customer, being friendly and firm gets you farther than being confrontational

[hancoveguy]

HI Cate,
I am currently at the beginning stage of a similar project in Mass. Gutting a second floor bathroom to the studs and starting over. As I am sure most of us today are, we are on a tight budget. Please continue to post things that you learn from your project such as the the previous post. I know our projects are separated by 100 miles or so but if I can take advantage of your experience I would like to.

Would love to hear of things you would do differently as you go along. Good experiences with contractors and bad. Good and bad choices in fixtures, flooring, etc..

Hope your project goes quickly and under budget...
HCG

[sky's]

Originally Posted by Marker42

Hi Cate,

I am a contractor with no shortage of work because of our quality and buisness practices. I am not soliciting your work and not currently accepting new customers. That being said, one thing not to due is use a lead generating service. Go on a referals and reviewing of potential contractors work. A good contractor will not require a deposit until the job starts.(except for a partial on special order items). Have them verify any subs. have GL and comp. insurance, lead certification(prior 76 homes), in good standing with the state of NH.(see nh.gov site buisness listings). Make sure they run clean lettered vehicles and have good equipment. (this shows professionalism).

Tom

i second that very good information.

[XJLPS]

Originally Posted by Marker42

Hi Cate,

I am a contractor with no shortage of work because of our quality and buisness practices. I am not soliciting your work and not currently accepting new customers. That being said, one thing not to due is use a lead generating service. Go on a referals and reviewing of potential contractors work. A good contractor will not require a deposit until the job starts.(except for a partial on special order items). Have them verify any subs. have GL and comp. insurance, lead certification(prior 76 homes), in good standing with the state of NH.(see nh.gov site buisness listings). Make sure they run clean lettered vehicles and have good equipment. (this shows professionalism).

Tom

RRP certification is required on all target homes built before 1978 , and if they dont have one and are disturbing more than 6 sqaure feet inside and 20 square feet outside at a target home the fines start @ $ 37,500. 00 per violation . ITS THE LAW .