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RENOVATING YOUR BATHROOM: 3 Things You need to ask your gc

September 6, 2024
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Renovating Your Bathroom: 3 Important Behind-The-Scenes Details to Ask Your Contractor About

Is your shower affected by cracked grout, damaged tile, or persistent mildew that defies your best cleaning efforts? These issues can indicate a failing shower or tub. Water is relentless; even small leaks can cause material failure, structural damage, and mold or mildew growth behind walls. If you’re considering a renovation to address these problems, or simply want to update your bathroom’s aesthetics, it’s essential to ensure these three critical aspects are handled appropriately for a successful and lasting renovation.

WATERPROOFING

Eric, General Contractor: Schluter Certification Class

Proper waterproofing is crucial in any bathroom renovation. While traditional methods might seem cost-effective, they are easy to take short cuts with. During demolition, it’s common for us to find improperly installed waterproofing materials, even in new construction bathrooms. Commonly used materials such as RedGuard are inexpensive, but need to be applied in a very specific manner, timeframe, and thickness to be effective. Instead, opt for a fully engineered continuous waterproofing system that is completely impermeable to water. We suggest a certified Schluter System installer, but other manufacturers also offer modern reliable waterproofing systems. This proactive approach preserves your shower’s longevity and eliminates the risk for hidden mold and water damage.

Ask your General Contractor about the materials and methods they plan to use and how they will be applied. Getting this step right is the most critical part to preventing future problems and opting for a GC who’s certified to install a product line offering lifetime labor and material warranties ensures your investment is fully protected.

CONSTRUCTION TEAM

Bathroom renovations are complex and require a team of specialists. This is not the place for a jack-of-all-trades. NC State regulations mandate certified trades for updates to plumbing, fixtures, electrical work, and more. Each aspect of the bathroom requires specific expertise. For instance, trained tile setters not only ensure the tiles are level, properly spaced, and aesthetically pleasing but also maintain the integrity of the waterproofing. You’ll want to confirm the renovation company completing your renovation has each specialized tradesperson on their team.

Before starting, ask your General Contractor for their NC Contractor’s License, general liability insurance, and worker’s compensation policy. Additionally, ensure your project is permitted under your General Contractor’s name, which guarantees that inspections will be conducted to verify the quality of workmanship and takes the liability for the project off you as the homeowner.

Remediation

Renovations often uncover issues like mold, mildew, and pests. Proper remediation is essential to avoid recurrent problems. This doesn’t mean using a gallon of bleach or generic bug spray, which can cause more harm than good. Improper remediation can leave your home vulnerable to recurring issues. Many contractors have professional relationships with specialized remediation companies or have team members trained in handling these problems.
Ask your contractor about their remediation plans for when these issues arise. Ensuring they have a solid plan in place will protect your home from future complications and maintain a healthy environment for your family to live in.

Whether you’re addressing existing issues or simply updating your bathroom for a fresh look, paying attention to these behind-the-scenes details will ensure your investment is well protected. Proper waterproofing ensures durability, a specialized construction team guarantees quality, and effective remediation protects your home from future problems. By focusing on these aspects, you can achieve a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting bathroom renovation.

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