Permits, licensing and questions to ask before hiring bathroom remodelers in Maryland

By Zwings LLC · Published 2026-11-10T00:00:00.000Z · Updated 2026-11-11

Start with a clear description of the work

Before calling bathroom remodelers in Maryland, write down what you want to change and what you want to keep. Separate repairs from preferences. A leaking shower, a difficult tub entry, worn tile, and limited storage raise different questions. Describe the problems you can see without guessing at their cause. Photos and a simple list can help you explain the same project to each contractor.

Identify decisions that still need discussion. These might include keeping the existing layout, replacing a tub with a shower, adding storage, or improving access. Ask each contractor which parts of your request are included in the proposed scope and which need further review. The Maryland Bathroom Remodelers directory, published by Zwings LLC, can help you identify services to ask about. Use those service categories as a starting point for a conversation, then get project details in writing.

Check the license and who holds it

The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) states that Maryland requires each contractor who solicits or performs home improvement services in Maryland to hold an MHIC license. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission also states that the MHIC license covers work on homes and apartment buildings that contain three or fewer units.

Ask for the contractor’s license number and the name attached to it. Check those details with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission before signing. Ask who will sign your contract, who will manage the work, and who will answer questions once work begins. If different names appear on the proposal, contract, or insurance documents, ask the contractor to explain the connection.

If your building falls outside the housing description above, ask the Maryland Home Improvement Commission about the license question for your project. Describe the property and proposed work clearly. Keep the answer with your project records so you can refer to it when reviewing proposals.

Ask local offices about permits

The Maryland Home Improvement Commission states that the prime contractor on a home improvement project must obtain all required building permits from the local permits office. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission also states that permits issued to a home improvement contractor must include the contractor’s license number.

Ask your city or county building or health office about your proposed bathroom work. Explain the property type, location, and planned changes. Mention any proposed changes to plumbing, wiring, walls, ventilation, or wastewater connections. Ask which permits, reviews, or inspections apply to that scope. The answer depends on the project and location, so confirm it with the office that handles your address.

Ask the contractor to explain the permit process in the proposal. Have the written contract identify who handles permit applications and related communication. Request copies of applicable permit documents and ask how inspection results will be shared. If someone suggests changing the scope after that discussion, ask the local office how the change affects its answer.

Review insurance and digging plans

Ask the contractor for current insurance documentation before work begins. Ask which business is insured and what work the coverage addresses. Read the business name carefully and compare it with the contract. If coverage terms are unclear, ask the insurance agent or insurer to explain them. Ask how you can confirm the information directly.

Discuss who will be working inside your home. Ask how employees and subcontractors are handled under the contractor’s insurance arrangements. Describe any concerns about damage to nearby rooms, shared spaces, or belongings. Have the contractor explain the process for reporting a problem and identifying the person responsible for responding.

If the project involves digging, Miss Utility states that in Maryland, contact Miss Utility at least 3 full business days and no more than 12 business days before digging; the Eastern Shore is served by Delmarva 811. Ask the contractor who will arrange that contact and how it fits into the work plan.

Put the scope and changes in writing

Read the written contract alongside the proposal and your original project notes. Ask for clear descriptions of demolition, installation, materials, fixtures, and cleanup. Identify items you will supply yourself. Ask who checks that those items fit the planned installation and who handles missing parts or damaged deliveries. Have exclusions written down so you can see where your responsibilities begin.

Ask how concealed damage or other unexpected conditions will be handled. Request a written process for describing the issue, explaining the proposed response, and getting your approval before the scope changes. Clarify who may authorize a change. Keep approved changes with the contract so the agreed work remains easy to follow.

Discuss payment terms, cancellation terms, and any written warranty before signing. Ask what the warranty covers, what it excludes, and whom to contact with a concern. Confirm how unfinished items will be recorded and addressed. Keep a complete copy of every document you sign.

Use these questions for the first call

Can you describe your experience with the type of bathroom work I am planning? What information do you need before preparing a proposal? Do you provide design service, or should I bring finished selections? Which parts of the project would your team perform, and which would involve subcontractors?

What is your MHIC license number, and what business name is attached to it? Who would sign my contract? Who would manage the work and communicate with me? Can you provide current insurance documentation and explain how I can verify it?

How will you confirm which local permits apply? How will permit documents and inspection results be shared? What will the written scope include? How do you handle concealed damage, material substitutions, and changes I request? How will you protect nearby rooms and handle debris? What written warranty would apply to the proposed work, and how would I request service?

Review the answers before work starts

Compare proposals against the same project description. If one includes design work, material selection, or cleanup that another leaves unclear, ask for clarification. A useful comparison starts with knowing what each contractor has agreed to do. Keep unanswered questions visible until you have a written response you understand.

Before work begins, confirm access arrangements, material storage, cleanup expectations, and the person you should contact. Discuss how the household will use the space while work is underway. Ask the contractor what decisions you still need to make and how those decisions affect the work plan.

Keep the signed contract, approved changes, insurance information, permit documents, and warranty information together. Return to the city or county building or health office when a permit question remains unresolved. Ask the Maryland Home Improvement Commission about licensing questions. Give yourself room to review the answers before committing to the work.