Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a contractor can be an adventure.
A good contract should have as much detail as you can get into it and you should include everything you want. Be very clear about what is expected by you and what you can expect the contractor to do and provide.
Bring pictures and very specific dimensions of the room to the first meeting with a potential contractor. A simple sketch and a preliminary list of what you want done will also give guidance to the discussion. If your expectations are clearly listed, you'll have a better chance of ending up with what you want.
Be very specific about design, materials, and construction techniques. The more you know, the more you'll be able to contribute to the discussion. You’re paying for the job so you should get what you want.
You, as the homeowner, also need to obtain lien waivers before you make a final payment. If you fail to do this and your contractor ‘forgets’ to pay his sub-contractors, you could end up paying twice or risk having a lien placed on your property.
Keep in mind that a very small project may not even need a contractor unless your community absolutely requires one. In some cities even an ordinary wheelchair ramp on a home requires an architect, permit, contractor and a city inspection! Find out exactly what you're required to do as a homeowner.
If you feel that a "Turnkey" project is not for you, read on about a Self-Contract remodeling project for your new bath.