5 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Bath Remodeler

Hiring the right remodeler can make or break your bathroom project. A good remodeler will give you a clean, safe, and long-lasting bathroom. The wrong one can leave you with hidden costs, weak warranties, or work that falls apart in just a few years.

At MODbath, we often meet homeowners in Fargo who learned the hard way. They hired based on price or speed, only to pay more later to fix mistakes. To help you avoid that stress, we’ve put together the five most common mistakes people make when choosing a bath remodeler — and how you can steer clear of them.

Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Bid

It’s tempting to pick the lowest number on the table. Everyone wants to save money. But in bathroom remodeling, the cheapest bid is rarely the best value.

Many low-cost remodelers use thin fiberglass panels or off-brand products that crack, warp, or stain within a few years. Others cut corners during installation by rushing the job or skipping dust control and sealing steps. The remodel might look fine on day one, but problems start to show up fast.

Paying more up front for stronger materials and skilled labor will save you money down the road. A remodel that lasts 20 years is always cheaper than one that needs a redo in five.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Warranty

Warranties are not all the same. Some remodelers advertise a “lifetime warranty,” but when you read the fine print, it only covers the product — not the labor. That means if the shower walls fail, you still have to pay out of pocket to have them replaced.

Other companies may only offer one or two years of coverage. That leaves you unprotected against leaks, cracks, or other failures that often happen later.

Before you sign, ask the remodeler: “Does your warranty cover both product and installation?”

A real warranty should cover both. That’s how you know the company stands behind its work.

Mistake #3: Not Asking About Materials

Many homeowners assume all shower walls are the same. They are not. The type of material your remodeler installs will determine how your bathroom looks and performs for years. If a remodeler can’t explain the differences between materials, it’s a red flag. A good remodeler will walk you through all the choices, explain the pros and cons, and help you pick what works best for your budget and goals.

Mistake #4: Overlooking the Installer

Many homeowners focus only on the company name and forget about the people who will actually be doing the work. Some remodeling companies hire subcontractors — which means the crew in your home may not work for the company you bought from. They may not be trained to the same standards, and you may never see them again if something goes wrong.

A remodel is only as good as the people who install it. If the crew skips steps, doesn’t seal properly, or rushes through the job, you’ll feel the effects later.

That’s why it’s important to ask: “Who will be installing my shower? Are they in-house or subcontracted?”

At MODbath, we use trained installers who work directly for us. That gives you consistent results and a team that is accountable for the quality of your bathroom.

Mistake #5: Skipping Proof

It’s easy for a company to make promises, but it’s a lot harder to show proof. Some remodelers rely only on staged photos or stock images that don’t reflect real work. Without proof, you’re left to trust their word.

Before you hire, ask to see before-and-after photos of actual projects. Read customer reviews on Google from people in your area. A company that does quality work will be proud to show it.

Ask us for some proof — we’d be happy to show you everything we’ve got. We believe that homeowners like you deserve to see the truth before making a decision.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

The good news is that avoiding these five mistakes is simple: slow down, ask questions, and ask for proof. A remodeler who hides behind vague answers or avoids details is not one you want to trust with your bathroom.

Here are three questions that will protect you in almost any remodel:

1. What materials do you use, and why?
2. Does your warranty cover both product and labor?
3. Can you show me real examples of work in my area?

If the company can answer those clearly and back them with proof, you’re in safer hands.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right remodeler is about more than just price or speed. It’s about protecting your home, your money, and your peace of mind.

Avoid the cheapest bids, read warranties carefully, learn about the materials, ask about who will do the work, and demand proof. These steps may take a little more time upfront, but they will save you from costly mistakes later.

At MODbath, our focus is simple: clear answers, quality products, and skilled installation. With us, you’ll know your options, your price, and that the work will be done right the first time.