Questions to Ask a Remodeler Before You Sign

The short answer: what matters most before you sign

A bathroom remodel can go well or go sideways fast. The biggest problems usually come from unclear scope, weak waterproofing, missing permits, and vague payment terms.

TileQuarter is a free matching service. We do not remodel bathrooms or give construction advice. We help you compare licensed, insured remodelers so you can choose who to hire. If you still need options, you can get matched with local bathroom remodelers at no cost.

Before you sign, ask questions that cover these five areas:

1. License, insurance, and bond: Are you licensed for this work in my area? Are you insured? Are you bonded if my state requires it?
2. Scope and materials: Exactly what is included, and what is not? Which tile, fixtures, backer board, waterproofing system, and trim are written into the contract?
3. Permits and code: Will this job require permits? Who pulls them? Will the work follow local code?
4. Timeline and change orders: When do you start? How long is the job likely to take? How are changes priced and approved?
5. Payment: How much is the deposit? What milestones trigger progress payments? What do I hold until the final walkthrough is done?

If a remodeler gets slippery on any of those, that is your warning sign.

Questions about license, insurance, permits, and who is doing the work

Start with the basics. Do not skip this part because someone seems nice or came recommended by a neighbor.

Ask:

• What is your license number? Then verify it yourself with your state or local licensing agency.
• Can you send me proof of general liability and workers' comp insurance? Verify that too.
• Are you bonded? In some places, that matters. Ask what type of bond they carry.
• Who will actually work in my home? Employees, subcontractors, or both?
• If you use subcontractors, are they also properly licensed and insured where required?
• Who pulls permits if permits are needed? The company you hire should explain this clearly.
• Will inspections be scheduled if required by my city or county?

You do not need a speech. You need documents and clear answers.

A few truths homeowners learn the hard way:

• If a remodeler says, "You can save money if you skip permits," be careful. That can create trouble later when you sell, refinance, or file an insurance claim.
• If they say, "We are insured" but cannot quickly send proof, do not assume anything.
• If they tell you to pull the permit as the homeowner for work they are controlling, ask why. In many places, that shifts risk onto you.

For a deeper checklist, read how to vet a bathroom contractor and make sure you understand bathroom permits.

Questions about waterproofing, tile, and the exact scope

Bathrooms fail from water. Not from pretty tile. Tile and grout are not the waterproof layer by themselves. If the waterproofing behind the tile is skipped or done badly, leaks can show up months later.

Ask these questions clearly:

• What waterproofing system are you using behind the shower tile?
• Where exactly will waterproofing be installed? Shower walls, niches, bench, curb, floor, seams, corners?
• What backer board or substrate are you using?
• How will the shower pan or tub surround be waterproofed?
• Will you flood-test the shower pan where required?
• How do you handle movement joints, corners, and transitions?

If the answer is vague, push for detail. If you want a simple explainer before you compare bids, read why waterproofing matters.

Then ask about the written scope. This is where price gaps show up. One bid may look cheaper because it leaves out labor steps or materials you thought were included.

Make sure the contract spells out:

• Demolition and debris haul-away
• Framing or subfloor repairs if visible damage is found
• Waterproofing system
• Tile type, size, pattern, and who buys it
• Tile layout details and edge trim
• Floor prep and leveling if needed
• Vanity, toilet, fan, lighting, mirror, paint, accessories
• Plumbing fixture brand or allowance
• Cleanup and punch list

Bathrooms vary a lot. A minor refresh often runs about $3,000-$10,000. A mid-range remodel often lands around $10,000-$25,000. A full gut can be $25,000-$50,000+. A tub-to-shower conversion is often roughly $4,000-$12,000. Installed porcelain floor tile is often around $8-$25 per square foot. These are typical ranges, not quotes. The real price depends on your bathroom size, scope, tile and fixtures, hidden moisture or framing damage, and your area.

If you are still sorting materials, our tile buying guide can help you ask smarter questions.

Questions about price, timeline, and deposits

A good contract makes the money side boring. That is what you want.

Ask these questions before you sign:

1. Is this a fixed price for a defined scope, or an estimate that may change?
2. What allowances are included? If you see allowances for tile, vanity, or fixtures, ask what happens if your actual selections cost more or less.
3. What is not included? This question catches a lot.
4. How do you handle hidden damage? Bathrooms often hide rot, mold, bad framing, or old plumbing issues once demolition starts.
5. How are change orders approved? Changes should be priced in writing and approved by you before the extra work starts.
6. What is the expected schedule? Ask for a likely start date, duration, and what could delay the project.
7. What deposit do you require? Get the amount and timing in writing.
8. What payment milestones do you use? Try to tie payments to completed work, not vague dates.
9. What do I hold until the final walkthrough is complete? Keep final payment until punch-list items are done.

Some direct advice:

• Get at least 2-3 written estimates so you can compare scope, not just price.
• Be careful with very large upfront deposits.
• Do not rely on verbal promises like "We will take care of that." If it matters, it belongs in the contract.
• If one price is far below the others, ask what is missing.

You can review typical bathroom remodel costs before comparing bids, but remember that every home is different.

What to do next before you hire anyone

Use this simple process:

• Collect 2-3 written estimates. Make sure they describe the same job.
• Verify license, insurance, and bond yourself. Do not just take a screenshot.
• Read the waterproofing section closely. If there is no clear waterproofing language, stop there.
• Check permit responsibility. Follow local permit and building code requirements.
• Review the payment schedule. Price and scope should be in writing before any deposit.
• Ask who manages the job day to day. Know your point of contact.
• Do a final walkthrough before final payment. You hold the final payment until agreed punch-list items are done.

If you want help finding remodelers to compare, TileQuarter can match you with licensed, insured bathroom remodelers for free. Participating remodelers pay a flat fee to be listed and matched. You compare quotes, you choose who to hire, and you stay in control. Start here: get matched.

If your project is more specific, these pages may help you think through the scope first:

• Full bathroom remodel
• Shower and tub projects
• Tile and flooring work