OWNER’S SUITE & LUXURY BATHROOM REMODELS

BATHROOM REMODELING FAQ

• General Bathroom Remodeling Questions

  WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE PART OF A BATHROOM REMODEL?

  The plumbing rough-in (installing vents, waterlines, sewers, connections, fixtures, etc.) tends to be the most expensive part of a bathroom remodeling project. However, that can depend on the scope of the project and the home.  The second more expensive part of a bathroom remodel is typically the tile. 

  WHAT ADDS THE MOST VALUE TO A BATHROOM?

  The most important thing is that everything is sound and works well. Secondly, it’s important that the finishes are not worn-out or outdated.

  Having a bathroom that’s well laid out, with good finishes and in good condition are key to making sure your bathroom will provide good value and longevity.

  WHAT MAKES A BATHROOM LOOK OUTDATED?

  The finishes, particularly wallpaper, paint color and tile choices.

  ANYTHING ELSE?

  What not to forget when remodeling a bathroom? Besides making a new bathroom look nice on the outside, you also need to fix the stuff you can’t see. For example, old plumbing and plumbing supply & drain lines. Also, the structure behind the tile has to be just right or the tile will not last.

• Planning

  WHAT IS THE FIRST THING TO DO IN A BATHROOM REMODEL?

  Number one: Make a plan. Decide what do you want to do, what needs to be accomplished, and set your budget. For more tips on where to begin with a bathroom remodel and what to do first, read our “Official Bathroom Remodeling Checklist“.

  HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO REMODEL MY BATHROOM?

  During our initial conversations we will talk with you about the scale of your bathroom or master suite project and how it compares to other, similar projects.

  Then, in our detailed planning process, our Minneapolis bathroom remodeling experts will provide budgets to accompany preliminary design options.

  Finally, you will receive a bid-priced contract defining exactly what your final design will cost. We know you need good information to make good decisions, and cost is an important factor of those decisions.

• COMMUNICATION

  WHO WILL I TALK TO DURING MY BATHROOM REMODEL?

  Throughout the entire bathroom remodeling process, you will have a dedicated team helping you with your project.

  During the design and planning phase, your main point of contact will be your project’s Design Specialist. You will then be introduced to your Project Lead during the pre-construction walkthrough meeting. Once construction begins, your project’s Design Specialist will stay in contact to make sure things go as planned, but your Project Lead becomes your first point of contact. You will also be able to communicate with everyone on the team at once, together, in your online client portal.

• CONSTRUCTION

  WHAT CAN I EXPECT REGARDING THE PROJECT SCHEDULE?

  Our production team is committed to driving your bathroom remodel project forward in the most efficient way possible, but we never want to risk quality by rushing things. The detailed planning that takes place before construction even begins is one way that we can assure the building process goes smoothly and according to schedule. Between the construction contract and the beginning of construction activities (the pre-construction phase), we will concentrate on helping you make final decisions.

  We will then provide a schedule for you in your online portal, where you will always be able to monitor progress and will receive daily updates. You can expect that your MN bathroom remodel will be finished according to the schedule and that you will always know what’s happening.

   

  WILL THE COST OF MY BATHROOM PROJECT CHANGE?

  Bluestem always provides bid-price guarantees. Your bid-priced construction contract is accompanied by a detailed scope of work and a construction plan set. This contract is our commitment to you to complete the project at the price quoted. The cost only changes for one of the following two reasons: You add something to the scope of the project, or there is a hidden or unforeseen condition (such as rotted walls) not knowable during a typical inspection. Your online portal tracks all of the details so there is never a nasty surprise about costs or payments. You stay in control.

• THE REMODELING INDUSTRY

  WHAT DOES THE ‘CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR’ AWARD SIGNIFY?

  Each year NARI members are encouraged to submit their work to be judged in several categories. The judging is done by remodeling professionals from another state and is anonymous. The winning projects are chosen on the criteria of: Demonstrating craftsmanship, solving technical problems and meeting the owner’s goals and needs. Bluestem has won Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, including National CotY Awards in 2016, 2019 and 2020.

   

  WHAT IS A ‘CERTIFIED REMODELER’?

  In order to delineate the very best remodeling contractors, NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) provides a certification process for those willing to work to a higher standard. Certified Remodelers undergo additional training, testing, background and reference checks and must renew the certification periodically. Hiring a NARI Certified Remodeler is your assurance that you are hiring an outstanding professional.