A: You need to find some general contractors who remodel bathrooms. They are licensed to complete or coordinate projects including three or more trades, including plumbing, flooring, carpentry, painting, drywall, etc.

Although you technically need a repair, it is the same process as a remodel to replace building materials. A contractor will have to figure out what is leaking in the bathroom (sink, tub, shower or toilet), possibly tear out some drywall, flooring or wood to repair the plumbing, then put everything back together and repair or at least repaint the ceiling downstairs.

When having water damage repaired, it may be difficult for contractors to give you firm bids without being able to see the full extent of the damage. You may need to hire one contractor to tear up the area and give you a bid to make the repairs, then have a couple more come in to give you their bids. Or else the contractors may give you their "best guess" bids and quote you an hourly rate plus materials in case they find more damage than they anticipate. Both approaches are commonly accepted practices.

To locate some reputable contractors, visit Home Advisor, click on "Remodels" and submit a service request to be matched with the ideal service professional in your area. Explain in the additional details box that you need some water damage repaired in a second storey bathroom and the ceiling below.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com