Tips for Managing a Remodel Remotely

[magic]

 I've been living out of state since the start of the pandemic. I just learned that my guest bathroom has been leaking who knows how long (we live in an apartment building and it was discovered by my downstairs neighbor when his bathroom ceiling starting getting soggy). 

We had planned on gutting the bathroom anyway for cosmetic reasons but now there is a new urgency. This is our first home and I've never been involved in a renovation before. Does anyone have tips for managing a project like this remotely? I can get recommendations for contractors and I can hire my house cleaner to hang out in a different part of the apartment while workers are there. I also plan on choosing all the materials from vendors near my current location so I can see everything in person (this probably means big box stores). Lastly, I was thinking of using on online decorating service to help with the design.

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!! 

[carmenere]

Ugh, I'm sorry. We had a similar situation and had to remodel our primary bathroom. Living in the house while the work was happening was a PITA - so in that regard you're lucky. Do you have a local friend or relative who could stop by every day to check on progress? Ideally someone with a sharp eye who will alert you if anything is not quite right. Floor & Decor has a really good selection and a lot of locations.

[magic]

Thank you, and yes I can hiring the woman who usually cleans my apartment to check the progress daily. She has a good eye and I trust her.

I'll look at Floor & Decor, I've never heard of them, thanks!!

[simpsongal]

It'll definitely be easier if you're keeping the footprint of the bathroom. Try to visualize the space and think of little things like the depth and width of the vanity. Ditto floor and decor, but there are a lot of great local chain 'ish tile stores (If there's one close to you, your contractor may be able to get tile to a location close to them). The Tile Shop, Best Tile, Floor and Decor, Mosaic Tile are all good places.

Our county is doing inspections remotely via Facetime, so doing a renovation remotely isn't crazy, no worries! I'd definitely prioritize a contractor w/stellar recommendations and even better if you know someone personally that used them!

[magic]

Thank you simpsongal for the encouragement! We're keeping the footprint but I do need to really think about the vanity depth and all the measurements. That's actually my biggest fear, I come back in 12ish months and I can't close the door because the vanity is too deep or something.