Do you want to hire a contractor to install your shower door but don’t know where to start?
No problem! Here's a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask to find a skilled professional who can bring your vision to life.
Experience and Credentials
You’ll want to make sure your contractor has hands-on experience and the right paperwork to get the job done right.
1. How long have you been installing shower doors?Experience matters. Ideally, you want someone who installs more than a few shower doors a year in case you have a specialized door, or your installation is more complex.
However, don’t immediately count them out if they only install a few per year, as this may be normal in your local area. You just want to get an idea of their comfort with the ins and outs of shower door installation. A few years of experience should suffice.
2. Are you licensed and insured?This is non-negotiable. A licensed contractor means they’ve met certain industry standards. Insurance protects you in case of accidents or damage.
Portfolio and References
3. Do you have pictures of your past projects?
Seeing is believing. Ask for photos, seek out reviews online. Social proof, whether on social media or online review or another 3rd party platform can help you see red flags or confirm your choice.
Project-Specific Details
If you want your shower door done right, it’s important to cater your questions to your home. Not all contractors may have the experience for your unique needs.
4. What type of shower doors have you installed before?
There are different types of shower doors – sliding, screens, hinging, pivoting etc. Ideally, the contractor is familiar with the type you want.
5. What materials and design do you recommend for my specific bathroom setup?
*This may be an optional question depending on how far along in the process you are. If you’ve already decided on a specific design, this might not apply.
If you’re starting from scratch, you might want to pick the contractor’s brain to see if they can think strategically about how to take your vision and make it happen in your bathroom.
Sometimes, this means saying “no, this won’t work” and helping you make a better choice for your needs.
A contractor should be a partner in your vision, not simply following their own agenda.
Timelines and Costs
6. What is the estimated timeline for this project? When do you intend to start and when should the project be complete?
Get a clear picture of how long the installation will take. This way, you can align expectations and, hopefully, avoid prolonged delays.
7. Can you provide a detailed, written estimate?
Get it in writing now, so there’s no questions later. A transparent, detailed estimate helps prevent any hidden costs or surprises. A couple of things you may want to clarify:
- Is the cost of the shower door included in the estimate?
- Depending on the job (full remodel or just installing the shower door), is their team doing the installation or will they contract it to someone else?
8. Will you handle the cleanup after the installation?
Ensure the contractor will leave your bathroom as clean as they found it, disposing of any debris or old materials.
Warranty and Follow-Up
9. Do you offer a warranty on your work?
A warranty means the contractor will stand behind their work, which can offer peace of mind (and potentially save you money down the road). Be sure you understand the details of the warranty.
Which is why it’s great to ask the last question . . .
10. What is your process for handling any problems or repairs needed after the installation?
Know the follow-up procedure if something goes wrong, ensuring you're not left high and dry.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right professional gives you the best shot for a smooth shower door installation process. Asking these questions will help you identify a skilled and suitable contractor for your job. Happy renovating!
