Questions to ask contractor about redoing bathroom

[creamsoda]

I'm in the process of meeting with different contractors to get quotes for the work I need done in my home. When it comes to the bathroom, are there specific questions to ask - about HOW they do the job to make sure they are doing it right?

- Any special material or techniques I should ask about? On TV shows, they talk about that orange membrane, and that many contractors will skip that step.

- Anything specific when it comes to laying the tile? E.g. to make sure it won't crack?

- Anything else? maybe about plumbing or things I obviously can't think of.

[TrevorK]

If you're worried about your tiles cracking I would ask your potential contractors how they will determine whether your current bathroom floor supports the tile you intend to use, and if not, what upgrades are needed.

When dealing with tiled floors you need to take into account more than just the thickness of the subfloor, you need to consider deflection. Deflection is really the "bounce" in the floor, which comes from many variables such as the size of your joists, the space in between, the longest unsupported span and so forth. All these variables combined determine what type of tile you can lay (as the natural stone, such as granite and marble need much less deflection that a regular ceramic/porcelain tile)

An explanation in relation to this would show you someone who understands what goes on behind the scenes and someone who just know where to put the tile and how to mix the thinset.


As for your question about the orange stuff (I think you're referring to the popular Ditra) you should be asking the contracting how they plan to prevent mold within the bathroom, and what they will be installing to combat the inherit moisture problems. You should know by the quality of their response what their skill level is.

[t3359]

Whenever I tile, I always put in alot of floor screws to make sure that it never makes any noise. Might want to do the same for yourself...

bjl

[jjasond]

There are two kinds of orange stuff, one for waterproofing around the shower (if it is tile) and one for the floors, call Ditra as mentioned above.

I don't know about the pros/cons of the waterproofing product but the floor membrane is supposed to isolate the tile floor to prevent cracks. I have talked to a few pro's about this, and was told that it is almost never used by professionals and is usually a DIY product.

The biggest reason it is not used is the cost. Ditra costs more per square foot than many types of tile. Expect it to add $1K or more to the price of the room. It is also completely unnecessary if the underlayment is done properly. An installer I talked to last week called it cheating.

Assuming the floor joists don't bend more than they should (rarely a problem), a good tile installer should verify that the subfloor is thick enough and reinforce it if necessary. On top of this, a cement board such as Hardiboard is screwed down, and the tiles installed over this with a thinset mortar. It is also possible to build up a mortar bed over the subfloor - usually with a reinforcing mesh set in the mortar, and install the tiles over the mortar bed.

Both of these methods are time tested and will result in a solid, crack free floor if done properly. You should be most interested in asking the contractor about similar projects they have done in the past, preferably a few years ago or more to give potential cracks time do develop, and calling past clients to see if they are happy. If the contractor is experienced and takes care, you don't need to worry that they're not using flashy materials you saw on TV.

[coolspot]

I suggest you purchase your own tiles - you can usually get a much better price and quality tile than what contractors provide.

[Just thinking]

Ask if they get a discount at supply places and how much.

Our contractor gets a 42% discount on the fixtures ( I went to the store and picked them out) and our tiler gets a 40% discount for the tiles. It sure adds up.

[Red_Army]

as for the plumbing, it really depends on what exactly you mean by "renovating"

are you simply demo'ing the washroom, and putting in new tiles/floor/fixtures....is any plumbing being moved? anything being added?..etc>

[z613]

You should have a plywood subfloor under your tiles as mentioned. This will prevent tiles from cracking. One thing you may want to add is a QUIET high CFM fan to properly ventilate the new bathroom.

I'm in the process of meeting with different contractors to get quotes for the work I need done in my home. When it comes to the bathroom, are there specific questions to ask - about HOW they do the job to make sure they are doing it right?

- Any special material or techniques I should ask about? On TV shows, they talk about that orange membrane, and that many contractors will skip that step.

- Anything specific when it comes to laying the tile? E.g. to make sure it won't crack?

- Anything else? maybe about plumbing or things I obviously can't think of.

[creamsoda]

as for the plumbing, it really depends on what exactly you mean by "renovating"

are you simply demo'ing the washroom, and putting in new tiles/floor/fixtures....is any plumbing being moved? anything being added?..etc>

Thanks for all the comments. Gosh, I wish I had asked this question weeks ago! We are keeping the same configuration. But, in order eliminate a privacy wall, some plumbing that is currently hidden in that wall will have to be rerouted. Toilet and sink will stay in same place.

Thanks again for the comments.

[effie]

z613 - many thanks for your link to ottawahomebuilders.net!! What a find.