How to monitor bathroom renovations?

9 years ago

Next week our contractor is starting two bathroom renovations. My plan is to be on site for the tile install, since that seems to be an area that people often have trouble with. I'm also planning on taking progress shots. Any other tips to make this go more smoothly?

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PRO

Brickwood Builders, Inc.

9 years ago

Everything should be discussed and documented up front. If you are starting, it's way past time to talk about number or placement of outlets, switches and lights. That should already be documented on the plans and should have been included way up front so that proper bids could be obtained.

There should already be a scaled drawing of all tile to be used and how it is to be installed. Tile edging and placement should already be documented. Even so, a discussion several days before tile installation begins to review your understanding is not a bad thing. If you are using a tile that has a pattern or using a natural stone, you should look at all of the tile weeks prior to installation. Variation is expected and if you have no/little tolerance for variation, then it is up to you to inspect it. The contractor will inspect for normal variation - but cannot gauge what your tolerance is and cannot be held to a standard beyond normal.

If you want to make every field decision - then take a leave of absence from work (or whatever you do) until both rooms are complete. Work cannot stop every 10 minutes so that a homeowner can be found and consulted. If that is what is expected - then add many thousands of dollars for the final bill due to stopping and rescheduling every sub and every inspection.

There is no substitute for the proper communication, planning and documenting up front. We have many clients that leave the country for 6-12 weeks while we complete projects in their home. We have never had one blow up - because we do all the up front planning. We use blueprints, scaled elevations (tile and cabinetry) and 3D modeling so that everything is documented. We only come back and ask questions if we uncover something that will not allow us to complete the remodel as planned and documented. On the flip side, our experience is that Millennials refuse to schedule time up front for planning and communication and they don't review the plans carefully - and then they want to talk about everything after it happens. Too Late Then!

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Comments (7)

User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Pick the right contractor in the beginning. No amount of anything else makes up for picking someone whose skill you do not trust.

And be sure that the design documents are, well, well documented. As in everything from the number of rows of tile in a deco band to the height and position of the electrical outlets. If the documents are correct and clear, and the contractor is skilled, you can take a cruise and come home to the perfect bath. You don't need to take vacation days and be a hall monitor.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The most important part of any bathroom renovation is the waterproofing. If this isn't done properly then the whole project is a total waste of time and money. Find out what type of waterproofing your contractor intends to use. We are in the middle of renovating one of our bathrooms and are pulling out everything including floor tiles as when it was done originally the waterproofing was insufficient. A strip of fibre glass along joins in the shower wasn't much use. We will be using a membrane system and applying it to the whole of the room. Remember it's what's behind the tiles that really counts everything else is just aesthetics.
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suzyq53
9 years ago
I would meet with the contractor each morning to discuss the plans for the day. Good idea to be there for the tile layout. Make it clear that you want to be consulted regarding any aesthetic or functional field decisions. Continually emphasize that you want it to be perfect. Make sure all the products delivered are exactly what you selected and that any lot numbers match before anything is installed. Discuss how any tile edges and trim will be installed. Have them mark all the locations of any outlets, switches and light fixtures before install. And good luck!
suzyq53
9 years ago
Good advice Brickwork! But even with up front planning and drawings things do come up and I have been able to quickly address them with my contractor via texts with pictures or videos. I have avoided quite a few bugaboos this way.
smileythecat
9 years ago
All good stuff, but I think you should spend as much time as you can being on site during construction there always questions.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
9 years ago
Brickwood has it covered. Look at your documents. What documents do you have? What DIAGRAMS do you have? Brickwood and Sophie mention them. Do you have diagrams of how this is SUPPOSED to look at the end of the day. Look at all of your tile. Look at all the materials they have on-site (usually in your garage or in a room designated for storage). Ask about water proofing. Write down names of materials. While you are "in the other room" feel free to google every material that is on site or that you see being brought into your home.

You don't have to be in the way...but you can go ahead and investigate "stuff" while you are on-site. Things like "edging" and how one material "finishes" up against another material. Many clients have gotten to the end of a project, only to find out that transitions for edges or corners were not purchased (this is MOST common when homeowners "source" the materials to save money).

If you are sourcing the materials (you go to Home Depot, order and purchase) then ASK if you have EVERYTHING THEY NEED to complete the job. Shluter edges, flooring transitions....everything. Do this BEFORE they start....not at the end.