How We Rate Bathroom Remodel Products and Companies
We use two different sets of criteria depending on what we’re rating. For products and brands (like bathtubs, showerheads, and steam shower systems), we focus on how well they perform their core function, how durably they’re built, how much they cost relative to what you get, and how easy they are to install and maintain. For bathroom remodeling companies (the ones who sell, design, and install full renovations), we look at their credentials, installation quality, customer reviews, warranty coverage, and how upfront they are about pricing.
Both sets of criteria use the same scoring system. We rate each factor from 1 to 5, then combine them for a final score using the formula below.
Final Score = Σ (Criterion Score × Criterion Weight)
In case you didn’t know: The symbol Σ (sigma) is standard math notation for summation — it means we add up the weighted score for each criterion to arrive at the final score.
How star ratings are assigned
| Score range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.75 to 5.00 | Excellent |
| 4.25 to 4.74 | Very Good |
| 3.50 to 4.24 | Good |
| 2.75 to 3.49 | Fair |
| 2.00 to 2.74 | Poor |
| Below 2.00 | Very Poor |
A top rating means a product or company stands out compared to similar options — not that it’s perfect. We always compare products and companies within the same category.
For a full explanation of the scoring formula and what each star tier represents, see our Rating Methodology overview.
Bathroom Remodeling Company Rating Methodology
When we rate bathroom remodeling companies, we focus on the factors that have the biggest impact on your finished project — installation quality, design flexibility, warranty protection, and overall value. Because bathroom remodels range from quick one-day acrylic conversions to full custom renovations, we evaluate companies on how well they perform within their own scope, not just against one another.
How We Evaluate Bathroom Remodeling Companies
Here’s how we break down each area we consider when scoring bathroom remodeling companies.
Licensing & Credentials (20%)
We verify that companies hold required state and local contractor licenses, carry appropriate liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and employ trained, certified installers. For manufacturer-affiliated companies like Kohler, Re-Bath, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel, we also look at whether installers are factory-trained and whether the company maintains its certification requirements over time. Companies with a clean compliance history and documented installer training earn higher scores.
Workmanship & Installation Quality (20%)
Installation quality determines how your bathroom looks and holds up over time. We evaluate companies on the precision and consistency of their work — including waterproofing, fixture alignment, surface finishing, and adherence to manufacturer specifications. For acrylic system companies like Bath Fitter, BathWraps, and BCI Acrylic, we focus on custom fit accuracy and seam integrity. For full-service remodelers like Re-Bath and Kohler, we look at tile work, plumbing integration, and overall craftsmanship. Companies with low callback rates and consistently strong reviews earn higher scores.
Customer Experience (18%)
We measure customer experience using aggregated review data from Google, BBB, Angi, and other platforms. We look at overall ratings, review volume, recency of feedback, and whether results are consistent across different project types and markets. We pay particular attention to patterns around project timelines, post-installation follow-through, and how companies handle issues when they arise.
Warranty & Post-Service Support (15%)
We evaluate the scope and quality of both product and labor warranties, whether warranties are transferable to future homeowners, and how clearly coverage terms are written. Companies that offer lifetime warranties on both product and labor — and back them with a reliable service team — earn the highest scores. We also look at whether manufacturers stand behind the work of their dealer networks, which matters most for franchise-based companies.
Design Flexibility & Product Selection (15%)
We assess the range of styles, materials, finishes, and configurations a company offers — and how well their options translate to different bathroom sizes, layouts, and budgets. Companies like Kohler and Re-Bath that offer extensive customization and design consultation services score higher than those with a narrower product range. We also consider whether companies can accommodate accessibility needs such as walk-in tubs, grab bars, and low-threshold showers.
Pricing & Transparency (12%)
We look at whether companies provide written, itemized estimates, how clearly they explain what’s included in the project scope, and whether the final invoice typically matches the quoted price. Companies that offer multiple price-point options, disclose financing terms clearly, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics earn higher scores.
Scoring Philosophy
Our bathroom remodeling company ratings are designed to reflect real project outcomes — not marketing claims. We use consistent criteria across all companies and compare them to similar providers within their category. A company specializing in one-day acrylic conversions is evaluated on how well it does that, not penalized for not offering full custom tile work.
Companies that combine strong credentials, consistent installation quality, and dependable post-service support earn our highest ratings. Those with licensing gaps, inconsistent workmanship across franchise locations, or unclear warranty terms receive lower scores, even when their pricing appears competitive.
Shower & Bath Products Rating Methodology
Modernize evaluates shower and bath products — including bathtubs, whirlpool and soaking tubs, showerheads, walk-in showers, and steam shower systems — using a unified framework focused on real-world performance, build quality, and long-term value. While the specific factors we look at vary by product type, the underlying criteria are consistent across every brand and category we review.
How We Evaluate Shower & Bath Products
Here’s how we break down each area we consider when scoring shower and bath products.
Performance & Core Function (25%)
Performance is the most important factor for any shower or bath product — it’s the thing the product actually exists to do. What we look for varies by category:
- Bathtubs and soaking tubs: soaking depth, ergonomic comfort, material heat retention, and quality of any included hydrotherapy features
- Whirlpool and air tubs: jet power and placement, motor quality, consistency of water pressure, noise level, and self-cleaning capability
- Showerheads: spray quality and consistency, pressure performance at low-flow rates, number and variety of spray settings, and handheld functionality where applicable
- Steam shower systems: time-to-steam, generator output relative to enclosure size, consistency of steam temperature, auto-flush and self-cleaning capability, and integration with controls and optional features like aromatherapy and chromotherapy
Products that deliver reliable, consistent performance under real-world conditions — not just in controlled testing — earn higher scores.
Material Quality & Durability (20%)
Bathroom products operate in a high-moisture, high-use environment and need to hold up over many years. We evaluate material quality and durability specific to product type:
- Bathtubs: acrylic thickness and reinforcement, cast iron or composite construction, finish hardness, resistance to chipping and staining, and expected lifespan
- Showerheads: brass vs. plastic internal components, finish durability (resistance to tarnishing, corrosion, and mineral buildup), and nozzle material
- Steam systems: generator housing material (stainless steel preferred), seal integrity, component corrosion resistance, and build quality of controls and steam heads
Products built with premium materials and designed for long-term bathroom use receive higher scores than those optimized for low upfront cost.
Design & Versatility (18%)
We assess how well a brand’s product line serves different bathroom sizes, layouts, styles, and budgets. A brand that offers a meaningful range of sizes, configurations, and finishes scores higher than one with a narrow selection — even if individual products are excellent. We also consider whether products are designed to work within standard bathroom footprints or require significant modification, and whether the brand’s aesthetic translates across both modern and traditional settings.
Warranty & Brand Support (15%)
We evaluate warranty length, what is explicitly covered, ease of the claims process, and the brand’s track record for honoring coverage. For steam systems and whirlpool tubs — where component failure can be costly — we pay particular attention to whether the generator, motor, and electronic controls are covered separately from the enclosure or body, and for how long. We also consider parts availability, the strength of the authorized dealer and service network, and how responsive the brand is to post-purchase issues.
Value & Pricing (12%)
We assess value by evaluating how well a product’s performance and durability hold up relative to its price. A lower-cost product that performs reliably and lasts 15 or more years can represent better value than a premium product with incremental feature advantages. We evaluate value across a brand’s full product line — not just its flagship model — and consider whether entry-level options deliver meaningful performance or exist primarily to establish a low price point.
Installation & Compatibility (10%)
We look at how straightforward a product is to install in common residential configurations, and whether it requires professional installation, specialized plumbing or electrical work, or structural modifications. For showerheads, this primarily means DIY compatibility and standard fitting sizes. For bathtubs and steam systems, we assess compatibility with standard rough-in dimensions, existing plumbing layouts, and typical bathroom footprints. Products that are widely familiar to licensed plumbers and bathroom contractors, well-documented for installation, and forgiving of minor dimensional variations earn higher scores.
Scoring Philosophy
Our shower and bath product ratings are designed to help homeowners understand what to expect from a brand across its full product line — not just its most expensive model. We use consistent criteria across all product types within this category and compare brands to similar products at comparable price points.
Brands that deliver strong performance, durable construction, and meaningful warranty protection earn our highest ratings. Products that look impressive in marketing materials but show inconsistent build quality, limited warranty coverage, or poor real-world durability receive lower scores regardless of brand recognition.