What to know before you start hiring or performing bathroom renovations.
Bathroom renovations are one of the most common projects contractors are asked to bid on. The interesting thing is that whether you are remodeling a 50 sqft or a 130sqft bathroom, the skill, attention to detail, and licensing is the same. In this article we will go through several areas where the need for a licensed contractor becomes relevant based on the scope of work. Again, we aren’t talking about just a fresh coat of paint and some new towel bars. When we refer to a bathroom renovation, we are talking about creating some serious dust, re-working plumbing, and usually doing electrical work.
When hiring a contractor for a bathroom remodel, most people hire a licensed general contractor. The general contractor, commonly referred to as a “GC”, has the ability to pull permits and align all the required subcontractors needed to perform the work, pass inspections, and complete the project. These subcontractors often include plumbing, electrical, and glass and glazing.
Plumbing contractors often handle the installation or modification of all the water supply elements for the shower, faucets, and toilet. A licensed plumber would also ensure that the draining of the tub/shower, sink(s), and toilet are done to code.
Electrical contractors ensure outlets, switches and lighting are all done to code, with safety as the top priority. Bathroom renovations often involve new lighting fixtures, GFI outlets, and switches so it is required that a licensed electrician complete that aspect in order to pass inspections.
An exterior window is sometimes replaced during a bathroom renovation. In this case, a licensed glass and glazing contractor would be used to ensure the proper installation.
Depending on the scope of the project, a bathroom remodel may even require a drywall inspection if the project involves taking the bathroom “down-to-the-studs”. This is yet another area that a licensed general contractor overseeing the project will be a huge asset.
As you can see, there is more to remodeling a bathroom than what you see on television in a 30 minute episode. Without even discussing the pretty things like paint, mirrors, and tile, there is a ton of skilled labor that goes into bringing this space to life.
We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about some of the often overlooked aspects of contracting related to bathroom renovations. The moral of the story is that it is important to be a licensed contractor if taking on these projects for customers. Not only is it the law, but it is important for the job to be done right so that you have satisfied customers with each and every project.
To learn more about contractor licensing, visit our course information page or contact a helpful career counselor at 1-800-732-9140. We specialize in helping contractors get and renew their licenses