What to Consider When Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
You’re finally prepared to remodel your kitchen, and as with many others, you’ve decided to use a kitchen remodeling contractor’s help.
Before you jump in and get the first contractor you find, there are a lot of things to look into in order to pick a quality contractor who is a great match for your project. Here are some tips to help you:
Go with a general contractor.
A specialty contractor works on one specific part of the project (example – installing a sink) while a general contractor handles all aspects of the job, from design to inspections and the rest. This simplifies things such that you can just hire one company instead of many different contractors doing different parts of the remodel.
Do your homework.
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Ask for advice from friends, coworkers and neighbors, but don’t forget to do some Internet research too. When you research local contractors online, check what others, especially past clients, are saying about them. An established contractor who has been operating in the area for a minimum of five years must be good, or he probably won’t even survive the competition. Also check if they licensed and bonded.
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Generally, you want to feel confident not only that you’re picking a good contractor, but also that they are the best fit for your kitchen remodeling project.
Obtain a number of estimates.
Get several estimates, but don’t immediately pick the lowest bidder. Bargain rates can mean low quality materials and workmanship. Consider both the results of your research and the estimates you obtained when making a decision.
Ask plenty of questions!
Asking questions will help you assess the contractor and learn the process of working with them. Below are some questions you may ask:
> How many kitchen remodeling projects did you work on within the last twelve months?
> Is my project going to require a permit, and if so, do you know how the process works?
> What types of insurance do you have? (They must have full insurance including worker’s compensation and liability).
> Do you have a group of skilled workers for specific jobs (electrical, tile work, cabinetry, etc.
> Will you be responsible for obtaining for building inspections and approvals?
> How long will the job take?
> How do your clients usually pay you?
> Do you offer a warranty and/or maintenance service once as soon as the job is done?
Do not proceed without a written contract.
This document must come with all key details, such as the contractor’s name and license information, when the project starts and ends, a schedule of payments, warranty details, and the like. Finally, go through each and every line of the contract before actually signing it.