Are You Licensed and Insured to Work in Illinois?

This is the first question, and it’s non-negotiable. In Illinois, home improvement contractors are required to carry general liability insurance and, depending on the scope of work, workers’ compensation coverage. A contractor who hesitates or gets vague when you ask for proof of insurance is showing you exactly who they are before the work begins.

Ask for a certificate of insurance directly. A legitimate contractor sends it without pushback. Verify that the coverage is current — not expired — and that it covers the type of work being done in your home. General liability protects your property if something gets damaged. Workers’ comp protects you if a worker gets hurt on your job site. Both matter.

In Lake County and McHenry County, some municipalities also require contractors to be registered locally. Don’t assume that because someone has a valid state license they’re cleared to pull permits in your specific town. Ask directly whether they’re set up to work in your area.

Who Actually Does the Work?

Some remodeling companies take your deposit, schedule the job, then hand the whole thing off to subcontractors you’ve never met. That’s not inherently illegal, but it does create problems. You lose accountability, quality control becomes murky, and the people in your home may have no direct relationship with the company you hired.

Ask plainly: does your own crew handle the installation, or do you use subcontractors? If they use subs, ask how those workers are vetted and whether they’re covered under the company’s insurance. The answer tells you a lot about how the company operates and how much they actually stand behind the work.

At a smaller, locally focused company, the person who gives you the estimate is often the same one managing your install. That direct connection matters because it means no information gets lost in the handoff, and there’s a clear person to call if something isn’t right.

What Exactly Is Included in the Estimate?

A low estimate can look great on paper and cost you far more in the end if it’s missing half the work. Before you compare bids, make sure you’re comparing the same scope. Ask every contractor to walk you through what’s included line by line.

The estimate should clearly cover demolition and disposal of the existing shower or tub, waterproofing and substrate preparation, the new shower system or enclosure, installation labor, fixtures and hardware, and cleanup. If any of those items are missing or listed as TBD, ask why. Vague estimates lead to change orders, and change orders lead to budget overruns.

Also ask what’s not included. Some contractors exclude things like replacing cement board, addressing existing plumbing issues, or installing a new exhaust fan. Knowing the exclusions upfront prevents the unpleasant conversation where you discover mid-project that something obvious wasn’t in the price.

Who Handles the Permits?

Shower remodels that involve moving plumbing, modifying walls, or making structural changes typically require permits in most Illinois municipalities. Skipping permits to save time or money is a risk that falls squarely on the homeowner. If unpermitted work surfaces during a home sale or insurance claim, it creates serious problems.

Ask directly: does this project require a permit, and if so, who pulls it? The contractor should handle permit acquisition as part of the job. If they suggest you pull the permit yourself as a homeowner to cut costs, be cautious. That arrangement shifts liability onto you in ways that aren’t in your favor.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, plumbing modifications in residential projects require licensed plumbers and proper permit documentation in most jurisdictions. Make sure whoever is touching your plumbing is qualified to do so legally.

What’s the Realistic Timeline for My Project?

Anyone who gives you a timeline without seeing your bathroom first is guessing. A solid contractor will give you a realistic range after assessing the space, understanding the scope, and accounting for lead times on materials. Ask for a start date, an estimated completion date, and how many days per week the crew plans to be on site.

Also ask what happens if the timeline slips. Supply delays, inspection scheduling, and unforeseen conditions all affect project duration. A contractor who has dealt with these situations before will have a straight answer about how they communicate delays and adjust the schedule accordingly.

For a standard tub-to-shower conversion or shower replacement in a single bathroom, most projects run between one and five days of active work. Larger remodels with tile work, custom features, or plumbing relocation run longer. Get the timeline in writing so there’s no ambiguity about expectations.

What Warranty Do You Offer on Labor and Materials?

There are two types of warranties in a remodel: the manufacturer’s warranty on products and the contractor’s warranty on their own labor. Both matter. Ask about each separately.

Manufacturer warranties on shower systems, enclosures, and fixtures vary widely. Some cover defects for a year; others offer lifetime warranties on specific components. Ask your contractor to provide documentation on what’s covered and for how long. If they’re installing a product they can’t name a warranty on, that’s a red flag.

The labor warranty is equally important. If a seal fails, grout cracks, or a fixture leaks six months after installation, you want to know who’s responsible. A contractor who stands behind their work offers a clear warranty period — typically one to two years on labor — and puts it in writing. If the answer is vague or verbal only, ask for it in the contract.

How Do You Manage Disruption During the Project?

A shower remodel means your bathroom is out of commission for at least a few days. If you have one bathroom, that’s a significant inconvenience. Ask the contractor upfront how they handle dust, debris, and daily cleanup. Do they use plastic sheeting to contain demolition dust? Do they remove debris daily or let it accumulate?

Also ask about working hours. Most residential contractors work standard weekday hours, but it’s worth confirming. If you work from home or have young children or elderly family members in the house, knowing the crew’s schedule helps you plan accordingly. Good contractors respect your home and your routine — they don’t just show up whenever it’s convenient for them.

Ask whether they use drop cloths and protective coverings on floors and walls outside the work area. Small details like these separate contractors who treat your home with care from those who treat it like a job site where your belongings don’t matter.

What’s the Payment Schedule?

Be cautious of any contractor who asks for full payment upfront. A reasonable payment structure for a bathroom remodel typically involves a deposit at signing, a progress payment when materials are delivered or work reaches a milestone, and a final payment upon completion and your approval.

The deposit should be reasonable relative to the total project cost — typically 10 to 33 percent, depending on project size. If a contractor asks for 50 percent or more before a single tool comes out, that’s a warning sign. Illinois has consumer protection provisions under the Home Repair and Remodeling Act that govern contractor conduct, including rules around deposits and project documentation. Know your rights.

Get the payment schedule in the written contract, not just a verbal agreement. It should specify exact amounts or percentages tied to specific milestones. This protects both you and the contractor and keeps the financial relationship clear throughout the project.

What Happens If Unexpected Problems Come Up?

Behind old bathroom walls, you’ll sometimes find rot, mold, outdated plumbing, or structural issues that nobody could see before demolition. Ask your contractor how they handle unexpected conditions — and ask before you hire them, not after they’ve already opened the walls.

A trustworthy contractor stops work, shows you what they found, explains the options, and gives you an honest estimate of the additional cost before proceeding. They don’t just fix it and add to the bill without your consent. That’s not just good practice — it’s what the law requires in Illinois for home improvement contracts.

Ask specifically: if you open the wall and find water damage or mold, how do you handle it? The answer should include stopping to assess, presenting options, getting your written approval on any change order, and then proceeding. If the contractor waves off the question with something like “we’ll figure it out,” that’s not confidence — that’s avoidance.