Before hiring a Dallas bathroom remodeler, ask: Who pulls the city permit, and is it in the quote? Who are the licensed plumber and electrician, and are they registered with the city? What exactly is included, what's an allowance, and how do change orders work? What's the written warranty and timeline? Who's my day-to-day contact?
Comparing a few bathroom quotes is a lot easier when you know what to ask. Here's the list we'd hand a neighbor, with what a good answer sounds like and when to keep looking. It's the same list we're happy to answer ourselves on our remodeling visits.
Print this, keep it by the phone, and run through it with every remodeler you talk to.
Planning a bathroom remodel in Dallas, DeSoto, Lancaster, Red Oak, or Arlington? Ask us every question on this list. We pull the permit, and the fee is already in your quote.
We put all 17 questions, with the good answers and the warning signs, on a printable PDF. Tell us where to send it, and take it along to every estimate.
The City of Dallas says construction work, including repair work, requires permits from the City. A contractor normally gets the permit, and the City notes that the homeowner has the duty to make sure permits are obtained by properly qualified people before work starts. Our Dallas remodel permit guide walks through which bathroom jobs usually need one.
A good answer: "We pull it, and the fee is already in your quote."
Keep looking if you hear: "You can pull it yourself," or "you don't really need one for this."
How we answer: We pull the permits for our clients, and the permit fees are included in the quote.
In Dallas, the electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work each has to pass inspection before it's covered up, and again when it's finished, before the final building inspection.
A good answer: A remodeler who can tell you which trades are involved on your job and who calls in each inspection.
Keep looking if you hear: Vague answers, or a plan to close up walls before the trade inspections.
It's a fair question, and it's better to settle it before work starts than in the middle of the job.
A good answer: "That's on us. We fix it and get it re-inspected."
Keep looking if you hear: Any hint that a failed inspection becomes your problem or an extra charge.
In Texas, plumbing is licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Ask for the Responsible Master Plumber's name. Master license numbers begin with "M," and you can look them up with TSBPE's license search.
A good answer: A name and license number, given without hesitation.
Keep looking if you hear: "Our guy is licensed," with no name.
Electrical contractors in Texas must be licensed by TDLR and use TDLR-licensed electricians. You can check both at tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch.
A good answer: The electrical contractor's company name and license, ready to share.
Keep looking if you hear: Wiring done by "a helper" with no license to show.
In Dallas, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical contractors must register with the city and hold the state license, and general contractors register too. The City's permitting system won't issue a permit to a contractor who isn't registered or whose registration has expired. In Arlington, contractors must be registered with the city to get a building permit, and you can search registrations and past permits at arlingtonpermits.com. In DeSoto, Lancaster, or Red Oak, ask the remodeler to confirm their registration with your city. You can see where we work on our service areas page.
A good answer: "Yes, we're registered, and so are our plumbing and electrical subs."
Keep looking if you hear: Hesitation, or a suggestion that you pull the permit in your own name.
The Texas Attorney General suggests getting written bids from more than one contractor, with detail about exactly what will be done. A very low bid may leave out tasks the others included.
A good answer: A written, line-by-line scope, with allowances (like tile or fixtures) clearly marked.
Keep looking if you hear: A one-line price with no detail.
The Texas AG notes that contractors often charge to change a work order, and that should be spelled out in the contract.
A good answer: "Every change is written up and priced, and nothing moves until you sign off."
Keep looking if you hear: "We'll figure it out as we go."
Older bathrooms sometimes hide subfloor, joist, or slab issues that only show up once demo starts.
A good answer: "We stop, show you what we found, and write up the fix and price before going further."
Keep looking if you hear: Surprise charges on the final bill.
TDLR advises not paying in full before the job is done, including permits closed out with a final inspection.
A good answer: Payments tied to stages of the work, with the last payment after the final walkthrough.
Keep looking if you hear: A large payment up front, or full payment before the final inspection.
How we answer: Our schedule is 40% at project start, 30% at mid-point, 20% at substantial completion, and 10% upon final walkthrough and client acceptance.
What's under the tile matters as much as the tile. Ask for the system by name.
A good answer: A named system, installed the way the manufacturer specifies.
Keep looking if you hear: "We just use whatever's at the supply house."
How we answer: We use the Schluter waterproofing system in our showers.
Lead time (when they can start, plus material orders) and work days on site are two different numbers. Ask for both.
A good answer: Both numbers in writing, with what could change them.
Keep looking if you hear: A start date that sounds too good, with no detail behind it.
Knowing who to call saves a lot of back-and-forth.
A good answer: One name and one number, for the whole job.
Keep looking if you hear: "Just call the office."
How we answer: You'll have one project manager, Weekly Check-In Calls so you always know where things stand, and Quality Walkthroughs at each stage before we move on.
Bathroom demo is dusty. A good crew plans for your floors, hallway, and air vents.
A good answer: A clear plan for floor protection, dust barriers, and daily cleanup.
Keep looking if you hear: No plan at all.
The Texas AG suggests asking to speak with past customers and to see their work.
A good answer: Photos of similar jobs and a few people you can call.
Keep looking if you hear: No references, or only ones you can't reach.
The Texas AG reminds homeowners that everything promised should be in the written contract, and warranties are no exception.
A good answer: A labor warranty with a set length, in writing, plus clear manufacturer coverage.
Keep looking if you hear: A verbal "we stand behind our work" and nothing on paper.
How we answer: We give a 5-year written labor warranty on bathroom remodels. Our Schluter shower systems also carry a lifetime waterproofing warranty when installed to Schluter's lifetime-warranty spec. Conditions apply: it requires Schluter thin-set mortar and all Schluter components bought from authorized sellers, and it covers the original owner.
The Texas AG advises never signing a contract with blanks and keeping copies of everything you sign.
A good answer: "Yes. If we said it, it's in there."
Keep looking if you hear: Blanks, or promises that only exist in conversation.
Here's how we'd answer the big ones if you asked us across your kitchen table.
That's the Rexuvo standard.
Tell us a little about your bathroom. We'll set up a visit, listen to what you have in mind, and answer every question on this list in person. We pull the permit, and the fee is included in your quote.
Call (469) 568-7058 or email info@rexuvogroup.com.
Planning a bathroom remodel in Dallas, DeSoto, Lancaster, Red Oak, or Arlington? Ask us every question on this list. We pull the permit, the fee is already in your quote, and your remodel comes with a 5-year written labor warranty. Call (469) 568-7058 or email info@rexuvogroup.com for a free estimate.
