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Bathtub and Tile Reglazing and Refinishing - A Buyer's Guide

Date Added: January 29, 2010 05:00:00 PM
Author: Orlando Salazar
Category: Blogs: Home and Garden
Tips for getting the best job at the right price

Contractor Selection

Not all contractors are the same, make sure the contractor / refinisher is:

* Licensed, each county requires a license, check expiration dates and license limitations, not everyone can do it all.
* Insured and can prove it with a Certificate of Insurance specifically addressed to you or your building mgr.
* How long has been in business
* Warranty - Is the Warranty offered longer than years in business?
* Referrals
* Experience with bathtub and tile refinishing
* Who does the actual job, the company or a sub-contractor
* Does he have insurance

Get 3 estimates

* Do not use phone quotes as the main factor to select a contractor/refinisher
* For a larger job, You need to get an in-home estimate
* Measure for square footage
* Get rate per square foot
* Add cost for extras like colors, tile repairs (loose tiles, fixtures, chipped/ broken tiles, etc.)
* Is the grout on the walls being redone
* Is the caulking around the tub/shower being removed and replaced
* A common issue is paint removal from previous jobs, that needs to be addressed and cost needs to be added or dealt with
* Is the paint from previous job being removed?
* Is the bathroom being protected and ventilated correctly
* Strong fumes and odors need to be vented outdoors (very important)
* Is there shower doors?
* Is the removal and re-installation included in the price
* How much are you paying for these service items
* What the total cost is with sales tax
* What is the deposit, progress and final payment
* When are these payments due and how are they paid.

When following this guidelines you can expect a very good job from a reputable refinisher at a fair price, remember a contractor needs to have insurance and skilled labor and you are expected to pay for these costs. Bathtub and tile refinishing is an affordable option and a real bargain compared to new bathroom remodeling.

Orlando Salazar is the founder and President of Bathtub Doctor, Inc. a division of Corporate Bath Systems, Inc., he has 30 yrs. experience in the bathtub and tile refinishing industry and bathroom remodeling in general.

He can be reached at: