How to Find the Best Bathroom Remodeling Contractors Near Me in New Jersey

Searching "bathroom remodeling contractors near me" returns hundreds of results—but how do you separate the skilled professionals from the unreliable ones? After 50+ years serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties, we've seen homeowners make costly hiring mistakes that could have been easily avoided.

This guide teaches you exactly how to find, vet, and hire bathroom remodeling contractors near you. We'll cover the questions to ask, red flags to watch for, what licensing actually means in NJ, and how to protect yourself throughout the process.

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Why Finding the Right Bathroom Contractor Matters

A bathroom remodel is one of the most complex home improvement projects. Unlike painting or flooring, it involves:

• Plumbing systems that can cause water damage if done incorrectly
• Electrical work near water sources (safety critical)
• Waterproofing that must be perfect to prevent mold
• Structural elements like wall removal or floor reinforcement
• Tile work requiring precision installation
• Ventilation to meet building codes

The difference between a skilled contractor and an amateur shows up years later—in leaking showers, failing grout, mold behind walls, and electrical hazards. Hiring right the first time saves money, stress, and potential health risks.

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Step 1: Where to Find Bathroom Remodeling Contractors Near You

Best Sources for Finding Local Contractors

Google Search & Google Business Profiles
When you search "bathroom remodeling contractors near me," pay attention to:

• Google Business Profile ratings and review counts


• Photos of actual completed work


• Response to reviews (especially negative ones)


• Years in business


• Service area listings

Referrals from Friends and Neighbors
The most reliable source. Ask neighbors with recently remodeled bathrooms:

• Would you hire them again?


• Did they stay on budget and timeline?


• How did they handle problems?


• Was communication good throughout?

Local Showrooms
Kitchen and bath showrooms often maintain lists of contractors they've worked with successfully. These contractors typically:

• Understand product installation requirements


• Have established relationships for material sourcing


• Meet quality standards the showroom will refer

Home Shows
The Monmouth County Home Show and similar events let you meet contractors face-to-face, see their displays, and collect information from multiple companies in one visit.

Sources to Approach Carefully

Lead Generation Sites (HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Angi)
These sites can be useful but have limitations:

• Contractors pay for leads, so pricing may be higher


• Reviews may not be verified the same way as Google


• Matching is based on willingness to pay, not quality


• Some contractors report receiving unqualified leads

Use these as ONE source, not your only source. Always verify information independently.

Social Media
Instagram and Facebook showcase beautiful work, but:

• Photos can be from other contractors' projects


• Followers can be purchased


• Comments and reviews can be manipulated


• There's no license or insurance verification

Treat social media as marketing, not proof of quality.

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Step 2: Verify NJ Contractor Licensing

Why Licensing Matters in New Jersey

New Jersey requires all home improvement contractors to be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. This isn't just paperwork—it provides real protection:

• Background checks on contractor principals
• Bonding requirements protecting against fraud
• Complaint tracking with enforcement authority
• Legal recourse if problems arise

How to Verify a Contractor's License

Step 1: Ask for their NJ Home Improvement Contractor License number
Step 2: Visit the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs License Verification website
Step 3: Search by license number or contractor name
Step 4: Verify the license is active and check for any disciplinary actions

Our license number is #13VH04175700—we encourage every potential client to verify it.

Red Flag: "We Don't Need a License"

Some contractors claim:

• "We're too small to need licensing"


• "We work under a different license type"


• "Owner-operators don't need licenses"

This is false. Any person or company performing home improvement work over $500 in New Jersey must be registered. No exceptions. Working with an unlicensed contractor means:

• No background check was performed


• No bond protects you


• No regulatory oversight exists


• Your homeowner's insurance may not cover their work


• You may have difficulty selling your home

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Step 3: Verify Insurance Coverage

Required Insurance for Bathroom Contractors

General Liability Insurance
Protects against property damage and injuries caused by the contractor's work. Look for:

• Minimum $500,000 coverage (we recommend $1M+)


• Your address listed as certificate holder


• Current dates (not expired)

Workers' Compensation Insurance
Covers injuries to the contractor's employees. Without this:

• You could be liable for worker injuries on your property


• Your homeowner's insurance may deny claims


• Injured workers could sue you directly

How to Verify Insurance

1. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
2. Call the insurance company to verify coverage is active
3. Ask to be added as "additional insured" for the project duration
4. Keep copies of all insurance documents

Never accept verbal assurances—legitimate contractors provide documentation readily.

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Step 4: Evaluate Experience and Specialization

Questions to Ask About Experience

General Experience:

• How many years have you been remodeling bathrooms?


• How many bathroom projects did you complete last year?


• What percentage of your work is bathroom remodeling?

Relevant Experience:

• Have you worked on bathrooms similar to mine (size, style, age of home)?


• Do you have experience with [specific element: steam showers, heated floors, accessibility features]?


• Can you provide references from projects completed in the last 6 months?

Portfolio Review

Ask to see photos of completed bathrooms. Look for:

• Variety of styles (shows adaptability)


• Detail shots (tile work, fixtures, trim)


• Before/after comparisons


• Projects similar to yours

Better yet: Ask if you can see a bathroom they completed in person. Serious contractors are proud to show their work.

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Step 5: Check References and Reviews

Online Review Analysis

When reading Google reviews:

• Look for 100+ reviews with 4.7+ rating (our rating is 5.0 with 127+ reviews)


• Read both positive AND negative reviews


• Notice how the contractor responds to criticism


• Look for specific details vs. generic praise


• Check review dates for consistency over time

Red Flag: All reviews within a short timeframe, or reviews that read similarly (possibly fake)

Reference Calls

Request 3-5 references from the past 12 months. Ask:

1. Were you satisfied with the final result?
2. Did the project stay on budget? If not, why?
3. Did the project stay on schedule? If not, how was it communicated?
4. How was communication throughout?
5. Were there any problems? How were they handled?
6. Would you hire them again?

Listen for hesitation—people who are truly satisfied answer enthusiastically.

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Step 6: Get Detailed Written Estimates

What a Good Estimate Includes

• Detailed scope of work (not just "bathroom remodel")
• Line-item pricing for materials, labor, and fees
• Material specifications (brand, model, color)
• Timeline with milestones
• Payment schedule tied to completed work
• Permit costs and who handles them
• Allowances for items you'll select later
• Exclusions clearly stated
• Warranty information

Red Flags in Estimates

• Vague descriptions ("install tile" vs. "install 12x24 porcelain floor tile in straight lay pattern with 1/16" grout lines")
• Lump sum pricing with no breakdown
• No material specifications listed
• Large upfront payment requested (never pay more than 10% as deposit)
• Pressure to sign immediately
• Verbal promises not in writing

Comparing Estimates Fairly

When comparing three estimates, ensure each includes:

• Same scope of work


• Similar material quality


• Same timeline assumptions


• All the same services (demo, disposal, permits, etc.)

The lowest bid isn't always the best value—it often means corners will be cut.

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Step 7: Understand the Contract

Contract Must-Haves

• Full legal names and addresses (contractor and homeowner)
• NJ contractor license number
• Complete scope of work with specifications
• Total price and payment schedule
• Start date and estimated completion date
• Change order process
• Warranty terms
• Cancellation rights (NJ law requires specific disclosures)
• Signature and date

Payment Schedule Guidelines

Reasonable payment structure:

• 10% deposit upon signing


• 25% when materials delivered


• 25% at rough-in completion (plumbing, electrical)


• 25% at substantial completion


• 15% upon final inspection and walkthrough

Never pay:

• More than 1/3 of project cost upfront


• Final payment before project completion


• In cash without receipt

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Bathroom Remodeling Costs in NJ (2025)

Cost Ranges by Bathroom Type

Powder Room / Half Bath Remodel

• Budget: $8,000 - $15,000


• Mid-Range: $15,000 - $25,000


• Upscale: $25,000 - $40,000

Guest / Hall Bathroom Remodel

• Budget: $15,000 - $25,000


• Mid-Range: $25,000 - $40,000


• Upscale: $40,000 - $60,000

Master Bathroom Remodel

• Budget: $25,000 - $40,000


• Mid-Range: $40,000 - $65,000


• Upscale: $65,000 - $100,000+

What Affects Cost

Major cost factors:

• Bathroom size and layout changes


• Fixture quality (entry-level vs. luxury)


• Tile selection and installation complexity


• Plumbing relocations


• Electrical upgrades


• Custom cabinetry vs. stock


• Glass shower enclosures

Often overlooked costs:

• Permits ($500-$1,500)


• Mold remediation if discovered


• Subfloor replacement if rotted


• Updating electrical to code


• Temporary bathroom rental (for long projects)

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Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For

During the Search Phase

• No physical business address
• No website or professional presence
• Reluctant to provide license number
• No online reviews or only recent reviews
• Unable to provide references
• Answers calls unprofessionally

During the Estimate Phase

• Arrives late without notice
• Rushes the estimate (20-minute visit)
• Won't put estimate in writing
• Pressures you to decide immediately
• Offers unusually low price
• Requests large deposit
• Suggests skipping permits

During the Project

• Poor communication
• Subcontractors you weren't told about
• Work not matching plans
• Requests payment ahead of schedule
• Makes excuses for delays
• Leaves site messy or unsecured

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Questions to Ask Every Bathroom Contractor

Before Hiring:

1. What is your NJ contractor license number?


2. Can you provide proof of liability and workers' comp insurance?


3. How long have you been doing bathroom remodels?


4. Who will be on-site daily managing the project?


5. What is your process if we discover hidden problems (mold, rot)?


6. How do you handle change orders?


7. What warranty do you provide on workmanship?


8. Can I visit a current or recently completed job site?

About the Project:

1. What permits will be required for my project?


2. How long will this specific project take?


3. What could delay the timeline?


4. How will you protect my home during construction?


5. What's your cleanup process?


6. How will we communicate throughout the project?

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Why Choose Custom Kitchens by Lopez as Your Bathroom Contractor

When you search for "bathroom remodeling contractors near me" in Monmouth County or Ocean County, you'll find us consistently rated among the best. Here's why local homeowners choose us:

Licensed & Insured
NJ License #13VH04175700 · $2M liability coverage · Full workers' compensation

50+ Years Experience
Family-owned since 1974. Three generations of craftsmen serving New Jersey homeowners.

5.0 Google Rating
127+ verified reviews from real local clients. We respond to every review.

Full-Service Contractor
We handle design, demolition, plumbing, electrical, tile, cabinetry, and fixtures—no juggling multiple contractors.

Transparent Process
Detailed written estimates. No hidden costs. Regular communication throughout your project.

Local Focus
We only serve Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We know local building codes, permit processes, and the unique needs of Jersey Shore homes.

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Ready to Start Your Bathroom Remodel?

Stop searching "bathroom remodeling contractors near me" and start your transformation with a contractor you can trust.

Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation

During your consultation, we'll:

• Discuss your vision and priorities


• Take detailed measurements


• Review material options


• Provide design ideas


• Prepare a comprehensive estimate

No pressure, no obligation—just honest guidance from experienced professionals.

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Related Resources

• Bathroom Remodeling New Jersey
• Bathroom Remodeling Near Me
• Bathroom Contractor Near Me
• Bathroom Remodelers Near Me
• Kitchen & Bath Contractors NJ
• Master Bathroom Remodel Ideas
• Bathroom Remodel Ideas 2025

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Custom Kitchens by Lopez | NJ License #13VH04175700 | 50+ Years Experience | 5.0 Google Rating (127+ Reviews)