A practical checklist for evaluating a prospective provider and comparing written proposals.
This is general homeowner planning information; it is not a bid, inspection, code determination, or guarantee of local service.
Verify who will do the work
Ask for the business's legal name, contact information, and any license or registration that applies to the work at your address. Request evidence of appropriate insurance and clarify whether employees or subcontractors perform the job. Check references when helpful. A connection service is not a substitute for checking the actual contracting company.
Define the scope clearly
Ask what will be removed and reused, what happens to walls and subfloor, whether plumbing or electrical changes are included, and which shower base, waterproofing, wall finish, glass, and fixtures will be supplied. Confirm cleanup and protection of the surrounding home.
Understand the proposal
Seek a written estimate with products, labor, allowances, exclusions, a start window, payment milestones, and the process for approving change orders. Compare bids for the same work. If a contractor uncovers damage, agree how it will be documented and priced before authorizing additional work.
Discuss permits and inspections
Ask which jurisdiction governs the property, which permits or trade inspections apply, who obtains them, and whether the quote includes related fees. Rules vary by project scope and location. If someone insists no permits are needed, you can confirm directly with the local authority.
Close the loop on quality and aftercare
Ask how water management is checked, when you may use the new shower, and who handles warranty service. Get product manuals and proof of any final inspection that applies. Walk through the completed work and document any outstanding items before final payment under your agreement.
Bring one consistent project brief to every conversation
Describe the existing shower or tub, approximate dimensions, reasons for remodeling, access needs, preferred materials, and any visible moisture concerns. State whether you want a same-footprint replacement, larger remodel, or tub conversion. Ask each contractor to price the same essential outcome; otherwise, apparently different prices may simply describe different jobs.
Do not rely on a phone conversation to establish that a particular provider serves your address or accepts the project. Confirm the company name, coverage, qualifications, insurance, and whether its crew or subcontractors will perform the work.
Questions about the construction itself
Which parts of the old assembly are removed? How will the floor, framing, and plumbing be checked? What base, drain, waterproofing system, wall material, fixtures, and glass are included? Which tasks require another trade, permit, inspection, or association approval? How will changes be approved if hidden damage is uncovered?
Ask what work is expressly excluded, who obtains and pays for required permits, and how neighboring surfaces will be repaired. An estimate that describes only the finished appearance leaves too much uncertainty about the concealed work.
Questions about business terms and handover
Request a written estimate identifying materials, project scope, payment milestones, estimated schedule, change-order procedure, cleanup, and warranty terms. Verify licensing requirements with the relevant government office where applicable and ask to see current insurance documentation. Be cautious about pressure to sign immediately or pay an unusually large amount before work is defined.
Before final payment, review completion against the agreement. Obtain product names, care instructions, any inspection records, and a contact for workmanship issues. The FTC's homeowner guidance recommends verifying licenses and insurance and getting detailed written estimates; see the resource linked below.
For an independent consumer reference, see the Federal Trade Commission’s home-improvement hiring guidance.
Use this guide when discussing your project
Decide what you want to change, note any leaks or access needs, and check whether a remodeling professional can discuss your project.
☎ Call 888-441-0554Independent partners may perform qualifying wet-space work where available. Service acceptance and availability depend on the provider and your address.