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Renovating Your Bathroom: 3 Important Behind-The-Scenes Details to Ask Your Contractor About

October 6, 2025
Renovation
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If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in the Charlotte, NC or Lake Norman area, it’s easy to focus on tile, fixtures, and finishes—and overlook the behind-the-scenes details that actually protect your home. Before you sign a contract, make sure you understand how your General Contractor handles waterproofing, who will be on your construction team, and what happens if mold or other issues are uncovered during demolition.

WATERPROOFING

Eric Fiel, GC at Schluter Waterproof Training

Proper waterproofing is crucial in any bathroom renovation, especially in high-use showers. While traditional methods might seem cost-effective, they’re easy to cut corners on. During demolition, it’s common for us to find improperly installed waterproofing materials—even in relatively new construction bathrooms in the Charlotte, NC area.

Commonly used materials such as RedGard are inexpensive, but they must be applied in a very specific manner, timeframe, and thickness to be effective. Instead, we recommend a fully engineered continuous waterproofing system that is completely impermeable to water. We often suggest a certified Schluter System installer, but other manufacturers also offer modern, reliable waterproofing systems. This proactive approach preserves your shower’s longevity and reduces the risk of 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 one of the most critical parts of preventing future problems. Choosing a GC who is certified to install a product line offering lifetime labor and material warranties helps ensure 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. North Carolina 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 system underneath. Licensed plumbers and electricians ensure the work meets code and passes inspections.

Before starting your bathroom remodel, ask your General Contractor for:

Their NC Contractor’s License
Proof of general liability insurance
Worker’s compensation coverage

Additionally, ensure your project is permitted under your General Contractor’s name. This guarantees that inspections will be conducted to verify the quality of workmanship and shifts liability away from you as the homeowner. In the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas, this is especially important as many homes are being updated and expanded.

REMEDIATION

Renovations often uncover issues like mold, mildew, and pests—especially in older bathrooms or poorly waterproofed showers. Proper remediation is essential to avoid recurring 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 ongoing moisture issues and health concerns.

Many reputable contractors have professional relationships with specialized remediation companies or have team members trained in handling these problems. Ask your contractor about their remediation plan for when these issues arise. Ensuring they have a solid, documented plan in place will protect your home from future complications and help maintain a healthy environment for your family.

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 supports long-term durability, a specialized construction team guarantees quality, and effective remediation protects your home from future problems.

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in the Charlotte, NC or Lake Norman area and want a team that prioritizes these details, our Full Service Design + Renovations might be a great fit. For more information, reach out to us directly or learn more about waterproofing systems on Schluter’s website here.

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