10 Questions to Ask a Bathroom Contractor Before Hiring

Your bathroom is one of the most complex rooms in your home. It contains high-voltage electrical lines sitting right next to high-pressure water pipes, all hidden behind a layer of drywall and tile.

When it is time for a bathroom remodel in Lakewood, you cannot afford to hire the wrong person. A botched tile job is ugly, but a botched plumbing or waterproofing job will quietly rot the structure of your home and cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix.

Before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit, you need to interview your potential candidates like a detective. Here are the 10 critical questions to ask a bathroom contractor to ensure your project is done safely, legally, and beautifully.

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1. Are you licensed to work in Lakewood and Jefferson County?

This is question number one for a reason. In Colorado, there is no state-wide license for general contractors; licenses are issued at the city or county level. Your contractor must hold a valid business license and a contractor's license specifically for the jurisdiction where your home is located (e.g., the City of Lakewood or unincorporated Jefferson County).

Note: Plumbers and electricians are required to hold state-level licenses through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

2. Do you carry General Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance?

Never hire an uninsured contractor.

General Liability: Protects your property. If the contractor accidentally floods your home, this insurance pays for the damage.
Workers' Compensation: Protects you from lawsuits. If an employee falls off a ladder in your house and the company doesn't have Workers' Comp, you can be held personally liable for their medical bills.

Ask them to email you a "Certificate of Insurance" (COI) before signing anything.

3. Who will pull the building permits?

Any structural changes, plumbing modifications, or electrical work requires a bathroom remodeling permit in Lakewood.

The answer to this question must be: "We will pull the permits." If a contractor asks you to pull the permit as the homeowner, it means they are not licensed or registered with the city. Run away immediately.

4. Will you use subcontractors on this project?

Using subcontractors is entirely normal and expected. Most general contractors will sub out the plumbing and electrical work to state-licensed specialists. What you need to know is who is managing them. The general contractor should be the sole point of contact and take full responsibility for the quality of the subcontractors' work.

5. Can you provide a detailed, itemized written estimate?

A lump-sum estimate (e.g., "Bathroom Remodel: $25,000") is a recipe for disaster.

You need an itemized estimate that breaks down exactly what is included. It should separate labor costs from material costs and specify exactly what materials are being used (e.g., does the price include a custom glass shower door, or just a cheap shower curtain rod?). This ensures you know exactly what to expect during the remodeling process.

6. What is the payment schedule?

A professional contractor will never ask for the entire payment upfront. A standard, fair payment schedule typically looks like this:

10% to 30%: Initial deposit to secure your spot on the schedule.
30% to 40%: Due on the first day of demolition or when materials are delivered.
20% to 30%: Due after the rough-in inspections are passed.
10%: Due only after the final walkthrough is complete and you are 100% satisfied.

Red Flag Warning

If a contractor asks for 50% or more upfront, it often indicates they do not have the cash flow to buy materials for your job, or they are using your money to finish their previous client's project.

7. How do you handle change orders?

Once walls are opened, things can change. You might discover hidden water damage, or you might simply change your mind and decide to upgrade your tile selection.

Any change to the original contract must be documented with a written "Change Order" that clearly outlines the new scope of work and the exact cost. This prevents surprise fees from showing up on the final invoice.

8. How do you protect my home from dust and damage?

Demolishing a bathroom creates a massive amount of silica dust. Ask the contractor how they plan to contain it.

A professional crew will lay down heavy-duty floor protection (like Ram Board) from your front door to the bathroom. They will seal the bathroom door with plastic zip-walls, cover your HVAC vents so dust isn't circulated through the house, and use HEPA air scrubbers.

9. What kind of waterproofing system do you use?

This is a critical technical question for any custom shower installation.

If they say they just nail up "green drywall" and tile over it, do not hire them. Your contractor should use a modern waterproofing system—like Schluter-Kerdi foam boards, Wedi boards, or a liquid rubber membrane (like RedGard) applied over cement board. The shower pan and walls must be completely waterproof before any tile is laid.

10. Do you provide a written warranty?

Finally, ask about their warranty. A reputable contractor will stand behind their labor. While the materials (like the faucets and toilet) will have manufacturer warranties, the contractor should provide a written warranty covering their installation labor for at least one to two years.

💡 The Bottom Line

Don't be afraid to ask tough questions. A reputable contractor will be thrilled that you are asking these questions—it shows you are an educated homeowner who values quality over the absolute cheapest price.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a bathroom contractor is licensed in Colorado?

In Colorado, general contractors are licensed at the local municipal or county level, not the state level. If you live in Lakewood, you must verify their license with the City of Lakewood or Jefferson County Building Departments. However, plumbers and electricians must hold state-level licenses through DORA.

What is a normal down payment for a bathroom remodel?

A standard, legal down payment for a bathroom remodel is between 10% and 30% of the total project cost. If a contractor asks for 50% or more upfront, it is a major red flag that they have cash flow problems.

Should a contractor provide a written contract?

Absolutely. Never allow a contractor to begin work without a highly detailed, written contract. It should outline the exact payment schedule, a detailed scope of work, material allowances, and the procedure for handling change orders.

Does my contractor need Workers' Compensation insurance?

Yes. If a contractor brings employees or subcontractors into your home, they are legally required to carry Workers' Compensation insurance in Colorado. If they don't have it and someone gets hurt on your property, you could be held financially liable.

Who is responsible for pulling the building permits?

The contractor is always responsible for pulling the building permits. A reputable contractor will never ask you to pull the permits yourself as a 'homeowner.' Asking the homeowner to pull permits is a common tactic used by unlicensed contractors to avoid municipal oversight.

Do bathroom contractors use subcontractors?

Most bathroom contractors use subcontractors for specialized trades, such as plumbing and electrical work, because those trades require specific state licenses. A good general contractor will transparently manage these subcontractors for you.