15 Critical Questions to Ask Your Bathroom Contractor in Hialeah: Interview Checklist 2026

When I first hired a contractor for my neighbor's bathroom remodel in Pembroke Pines back in 2018, I thought a quick phone call and a handshake would be enough. Three months later, we were staring at unfinished tile work, a half-installed shower pan, and a contractor who'd stopped returning calls. That $14,000 mistake taught me that the questions you ask before signing a contract matter just as much as the contractor you choose.

If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Coral Springs, or anywhere in Miami-Dade County, you're probably facing quotes ranging from $8,000 to $35,000+. With that much money on the line – and your daily routine disrupted for weeks – you can't afford to skip the vetting process. The right questions will reveal red flags, clarify expectations, and protect you from the scams that cost South Florida homeowners over $18 million annually.

In this guide, you'll discover the 15 essential questions every Hialeah homeowner should ask before hiring a bathroom contractor, plus the red-flag answers that should send you looking elsewhere. Let's make sure your next bathroom remodel is the dream project you deserve, not a financial nightmare.

Why Interview Questions Matter in Miami-Dade County

Florida's humid climate, High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) codes, and complex permit requirements make bathroom remodeling more technical than in most states. You need a contractor who:

• Understands local codes: Miami-Dade has stricter building codes than many Florida counties due to hurricane risk. Your contractor must know permit requirements for electrical, plumbing, and structural work.
• Has proper licensing and insurance: Florida law requires contractors to be licensed, bonded, and insured. Unlicensed contractors cost homeowners an estimated $15-20 million annually in Miami-Dade alone.
• Can handle Florida's humidity: Mold-resistant waterproofing, proper ventilation, and moisture-resistant materials aren't optional in South Florida – they're essential to prevent costly repairs.

The data is sobering: Over 500 contractor fraud complaints are filed annually in Miami-Dade County. The average financial loss per victim is $18,500. And fewer than 15% of victims recover their money.

The 15 Critical Questions to Ask Every Bathroom Contractor

Category 1: Credentials & Experience

1. "What is your Florida contractor license number, and can I verify it online?"

Why it matters: Florida requires contractors performing work over $1,000 to hold a valid state or local license. In Miami-Dade, bathroom contractors need either:

• Certified General Contractor (CGC): statewide license for any project
• Certified Building Contractor (CBC): statewide for buildings
• Certified Residential Contractor (CRC): residential work statewide
• Local licenses issued by Miami-Dade County for smaller projects

What to do: Verify the license immediately at MyFloridaLicense.com or call the Florida DBPR at (850) 487-1395. Check for:

• Active status
• Complaints or disciplinary actions
• Expiration date
• Correct license type (not just a business license)

Example: A legitimate contractor will say, "My CGC license is #CGC123456. You can verify it right now at MyFloridaLicense.com. I'll send you a screenshot if that's easier."

2. "Can you provide proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage?"

Why it matters: If a worker is injured on your property or your home is damaged during construction, you could be held liable for tens of thousands of dollars – unless the contractor has proper insurance.

Required coverage:

• General Liability Insurance: minimum $500,000 (preferably $1 million) to cover property damage and third-party injuries
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: required by Florida law if the contractor has employees

What to do: Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing:

• Your name as "Additional Insured"
• Coverage amounts and expiration dates
• Insurer's contact information

Then call the insurance company to verify the policy is active.

3. "How many bathroom remodels have you completed in the past 12 months, and do you have photos or references?"

Why it matters: Bathroom remodeling requires specialized skills in plumbing, electrical, tile, waterproofing, and ventilation. A contractor who mainly does roofing or general handyman work may lack the experience for a quality bathroom renovation.

What to look for:

• Minimum 10-15 bathroom projects per year (for a dedicated bathroom remodeling company)
• Before-and-after photos showing quality tile work, grout lines, fixtures, and finishes
• Similar projects to yours: if you want a curbless shower, ask to see their curbless shower installations

What to do: Ask for a portfolio via email or website. Visit their social media pages (Facebook, Instagram) to see real project photos and customer reviews.

Category 2: Project Planning & Timeline

4. "How long will my bathroom remodel take from start to finish?"

Why it matters: Bathroom remodels disrupt your daily routine. You need realistic timelines – not overly optimistic estimates that leave you showering at a neighbor's house for months.

Typical timelines for Miami-Dade bathrooms:

• Small bathroom (40-60 sq ft): 2-3 weeks
• Mid-size bathroom (60-100 sq ft): 3-5 weeks
• Master bathroom (100-150 sq ft): 4-6 weeks
• Full gut renovation or code updates: add 1-2 weeks

Timeline breakdown:

• Permits: 1-3 weeks
• Demolition: 1-2 days
• Rough-in plumbing/electrical: 2-3 days
• Waterproofing & tile installation: 4-7 days
• Fixtures & finishes: 2-3 days
• Final inspection: 1-2 days

What to do: Ask for a written timeline with milestones. Clarify whether the timeline includes permit approval and inspections.

5. "Will you or your team be on-site daily, or will there be gaps in the schedule?"

Why it matters: Some contractors juggle multiple projects simultaneously, leaving your bathroom half-finished for days or weeks while they work elsewhere.

What to ask:

• "How many projects do you work on at once?"
• "Will the same crew be here every day?"
• "What happens if you need to order materials or wait for inspections?"

What to do: Get a written schedule showing which days the crew will be on-site and any planned gaps (e.g., tile curing time, inspection days).

6. "Who will be doing the work – your employees or subcontractors?"

Why it matters: Subcontractors aren't inherently bad, but you need to know:

• Are they licensed and insured?
• Who's responsible if their work is defective?
• Will the general contractor supervise their work?

What to ask:

• "Will you use subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, or tile work?"
• "Can I see their licenses and insurance certificates?"
• "Who inspects their work for quality?"

What to do: Insist that all subcontractors be licensed in their trade (plumbers need plumbing licenses, electricians need electrical licenses) and that the general contractor provides written proof of their insurance.

Category 3: Costs & Payment Terms

7. "Can you provide a detailed, itemized written estimate?"

Why it matters: Vague estimates like "bathroom remodel: $15,000" hide what's included and make it easy for contractors to add surprise charges later.

Your estimate should include:

• Labor costs broken down by trade (demolition, plumbing, electrical, tile, fixtures)
• Materials with quantities and brands (e.g., "60 sq ft porcelain tile, Daltile, $8/sf")
• Permits and inspections
• Waterproofing and prep work
• Waste removal and cleanup

What to do: Get at least three written, itemized estimates from different contractors. Compare line-by-line to identify overpriced items or missing work.

8. "What is your payment schedule, and what protects me if the work isn't completed?"

Why it matters: Paying too much upfront gives dishonest contractors the cash they need to disappear. Florida law limits deposits on hurricane-rated products to 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. Standard payment schedules should protect both you and the contractor.

Recommended payment schedule:

• Deposit: 10-25% to secure materials and schedule
• After demolition & rough-in: 25-30%
• After tile & waterproofing: 25-30%
• Final payment: 10-15% after final inspection and your walkthrough

What to do: Insist on a written payment schedule tied to project milestones. Never pay the final installment until:

• All work is complete
• Final inspections pass
• You've conducted a walkthrough and approved the work

9. "What is NOT included in your estimate?"

Why it matters: Some contractors lowball estimates to win the job, then hit you with "extras" during construction.

Common exclusions to clarify:

• Permits and inspection fees
• Structural repairs (rotted subfloor, mold remediation, outdated plumbing/electrical)
• Disposal of old fixtures and tile
• Painting or drywall repair outside the bathroom
• Upgraded fixtures or materials

What to ask:

• "If you discover mold or water damage during demolition, what happens?"
• "Are permits included, or do I pay separately?"
• "What if I want to upgrade tile or fixtures mid-project?"

What to do: Get exclusions in writing. Clarify how change orders are priced (hourly rate, markup percentage, or fixed fees).

Category 4: Permits, Codes & Inspections

10. "Will you obtain all necessary permits, and who pays for them?"

Why it matters: Miami-Dade County requires permits for:

• Plumbing work (moving fixtures, replacing water lines)
• Electrical work (new circuits, outlets, lighting)
• Structural changes (removing walls, altering framing)
• HVAC or ventilation changes

Skipping permits can result in:

• Fines up to $500 per day
• Difficulty selling your home (unpermitted work must be disclosed)
• Liability if work doesn't meet code and causes damage

What to ask:

• "Which permits are required for my project?"
• "Will you pull the permits, or do I need to?"
• "Are permit fees included in your estimate?"

What to do: Insist the contractor pull all required permits in their name (not yours). Verify permits are active by checking the Miami-Dade County Building Department website or calling (786) 315-2590.

11. "Are you familiar with Miami-Dade's HVHZ codes and waterproofing requirements?"

Why it matters: Miami-Dade is in a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which imposes stricter codes for wind resistance, water intrusion, and structural integrity. Bathroom contractors must also comply with:

• Florida Building Code Chapter 4 (plumbing fixtures)
• Waterproofing standards (pan liners, Schluter systems, etc.)
• Ventilation requirements (exhaust fans rated for humidity)

What to ask:

• "Have you worked on projects in Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, or Miami Beach?" (Local experience matters)
• "What waterproofing system do you use – liner, Schluter Kerdi, or RedGard?"
• "Will the shower pan pass the flood test required by code?"

What to do: Ask for references from recent Miami-Dade projects and verify their work passed inspections.

Category 5: Warranties & Problem Resolution

12. "What warranties do you offer on labor and materials?"

Why it matters: Quality contractors stand behind their work. Warranties protect you if:

• Tile cracks or grout fails
• Plumbing leaks develop
• Fixtures malfunction

Standard warranties:

• Labor warranty: 1-2 years for workmanship
• Materials warranty: varies by manufacturer (fixtures often 5-10 years; tile lifetime)
• Waterproofing warranty: 10-15 years (Schluter systems offer this)

What to ask:

• "Do you offer a written warranty on your work?"
• "What does the warranty cover, and for how long?"
• "If something goes wrong in 6 months, will you fix it for free?"

What to do: Get the warranty in writing as part of your contract. Clarify what's covered (labor, materials, both) and the process for filing a claim.

13. "How do you handle disputes, unexpected problems, or change orders?"

Why it matters: Even well-planned projects encounter surprises – hidden water damage, outdated wiring, or delayed material shipments. How the contractor handles these issues reveals their professionalism.

What to ask:

• "If you discover mold or structural damage during demolition, what's the process for addressing it?"
• "How do you price change orders?"
• "What if I'm unhappy with the tile or grout color after installation?"

What to do: Insist that all change orders be documented in writing with clear pricing before work begins. Build a contingency budget (10-15% of project cost) for unexpected issues.

Category 6: References & Reputation

14. "Can you provide three recent references I can contact?"

Why it matters: References reveal how the contractor performs under real-world conditions – communication, quality, timeliness, and problem resolution.

What to ask references:

• "Was the project completed on time and on budget?"
• "How was the contractor's communication – did they return calls and answer questions?"
• "Were there any surprises or unexpected costs?"
• "How did the contractor handle problems or mistakes?"
• "Would you hire them again?"

What to do: Call at least three references. If possible, ask to see photos or visit completed projects in person. Also check online reviews on Google, Facebook, and BBB.org.

15. "Can I see your business address and verify your registration with the state?"

Why it matters: Legitimate contractors have:

• A physical business address (not just a P.O. box)
• State registration (Florida Division of Corporations)
• Active contractor license
• Business insurance and bonding

What to do: Verify the business at SunBiz.org (Florida Division of Corporations). Check that the business name matches the contractor's license. Look for:

• Active status
• Registered agent
• Business address

Red Flags That Should End the Interview Immediately

Even if a contractor answers all your questions, watch for these deal-breaker red flags:

If you see any of these red flags, walk away. There are plenty of qualified, licensed contractors in Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Pembroke Pines, and throughout Miami-Dade County. Don't settle for a contractor who cuts corners or hides information.

How to Use This Checklist: Your 4-Week Vetting Plan

Timeline: Allow 3-4 weeks for thorough vetting. Rushing this process increases your risk of hiring an unqualified or dishonest contractor.

The Bottom Line: Protect Yourself with the Right Questions

Hiring a bathroom contractor in Hialeah or anywhere in Miami-Dade County is a significant investment – both financially and emotionally. The right contractor will transform your outdated bathroom into a beautiful, functional space that adds value to your home. The wrong contractor can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, months of stress, and legal headaches.

The 15 questions in this guide give you the power to:

• ✅ Identify red flags before signing a contract
• ✅ Verify credentials, insurance, and experience
• ✅ Set clear expectations for timelines, costs, and quality
• ✅ Protect yourself from scams, fraud, and poor workmanship

Don't skip the interview process. Spend the time upfront to ask tough questions, verify answers, and trust your instincts. If a contractor makes you uncomfortable or can't provide clear, documented answers, move on to the next candidate.

About Bathroom Remodeling Hialeah

At Bathroom Remodeling Hialeah, we believe transparency starts with the first conversation. We're a fully licensed, bonded, and insured bathroom remodeling company serving Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Miami Beach, Hollywood, Boca Raton, and all of Miami-Dade County.

We answer all 15 questions – and more – during your free consultation. No pressure, no gimmicks, just honest information to help you make the best decision for your home.

Next Steps: Continue Your Research

Your dream bathroom is within reach – and it starts with asking the right questions.