Hire a bathroom remodel contractor you can actually trust
Most "near me" results are paid lists. This page gives you the 10 checks that separate a solid bath contractor from a risky one, a sheet for comparing three bids, and honest 2026 cost ranges. If you want, ask for one quote below.
- Takes about 45 minutes per contractor. Print it or use it on your phone.
- Works anywhere in the U.S. License rules differ by state; the scorecard shows where to check.
- Planning for an older parent or a wheelchair? Read this first.
Ask for one free quote
We call you first, then pass your request to one contractor you agree to. No list blast.
The short answer
A good bathroom remodel contractor will show you a license you can look up, have their insurance agent send you a certificate, pull the permit in their own name, give you an itemized written bid that names the waterproofing method, and ask for a small deposit with the rest paid as work is finished. If any one of those is missing, keep looking.
The 10-point contractor scorecard
Tick each item you have seen in writing, not just heard on the phone. Score each contractor separately.
9 to 10: strong candidate. 7 to 8: ask about the gaps before signing. 6 or less: keep looking.
What a bathroom remodel costs in 2026
Published averages land between about $12,000 and $16,500. Here is where the numbers come from, so you can judge a bid against them.
| Source | Typical range | Average | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Old House | $6,456 to $24,715+ | $15,586 | Survey of 1,000 recent renovators |
| Fixr | $6,000 to $18,000 | $12,000 | National cost guide |
| Block Renovation | Varies by scope | about $16,500 | Company project data |
What pushes your price up or down
- Moving the toilet, drain, or shower valve
- Water damage or rot found after demo (about 1 in 3 renovators in the This Old House survey said the job cost more than expected)
- Curbless or walk-in showers that need the floor recessed
- Custom glass and large-format tile
- Keeping fixtures where the plumbing already is
- Choosing materials before the bid, not after
- Prefab wall panels instead of tile in the shower
- Booking outside the spring rush
Compare three bids line by line
Put the three totals aside. Fill in each row; the gaps tell you more than the bottom line.
| Line item | Bid A | Bid B | Bid C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition and haul-away | |||
| Subfloor / framing repair allowance | |||
| Plumbing (and is it moving?) | |||
| Electrical, lighting, GFCI outlets | |||
| Exhaust fan ducted outside | |||
| Waterproofing system named + flood test | |||
| Tile: allowance per sq ft and labor | |||
| Fixtures: allowance or model numbers | |||
| Permit and inspections included | |||
| Start date, duration, payment stages | |||
| Labor warranty (years, in writing) |
Tip: print this page. The scorecard and this table print cleanly; the form and buttons are hidden on paper.
Red flags that end the conversation
- Cash only or a big "materials deposit" before anything is scheduled.
- "We don't need a permit for this" on a job that moves plumbing or wiring.
- Today-only pricing that expires when the salesperson leaves.
- No street address or a business name that does not match the license.
- A one-line bid: "Remodel bathroom, $14,000."
Remodeling for an older adult or a wheelchair user?
A general remodeler can do beautiful work and still miss the details that make a bathroom safe to use with limited mobility: a shower entry low enough to roll or step over, a seat, blocking in the walls for grab bars, a hand-held shower, slip-resistant flooring, and enough clear floor space to turn around.
For that kind of job, ask each bidder how many accessible bathrooms they have built and to show you one. You can also talk to a company that only does accessible bathing, such as Aging Safely Baths, which installs walk-in tubs and roll-in showers. Pick "Safer bathroom for an older adult" on the form and we'll connect you there.
Questions people ask before hiring
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
This Old House's survey of 1,000 recent renovators put the average at $15,586, with most projects between $6,456 and $24,715. Fixr gives a $6,000 to $18,000 range. Small cosmetic updates cost far less; moving plumbing or fixing hidden water damage costs more.
How many quotes should I get for a bathroom remodel?
Three written, itemized quotes is the usual rule. Fewer gives you nothing to compare; more than four mostly costs you evenings.
How much deposit should a bathroom contractor ask for?
Keep it small. California caps home-improvement down payments at $1,000 or 10% of the contract, whichever is less. Other states vary, but a large upfront payment before any work is a warning sign everywhere.
Does a bathroom remodel need a permit?
Usually yes when plumbing, electrical, ventilation, or walls change. Swapping a vanity or repainting often does not. Your local building department decides, and the contractor should pull the permit in their own name.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh can take a few days. A full gut remodel typically takes several weeks once work starts, plus time for permits, inspections, and special-order materials.
Who runs this site?
Eye To Ad Media, a Denver marketing company. We are not a contractor. If you ask for a quote, we call you, and we only pass your request to a contractor you agree to.