Tips For Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor For Your Project
Hiring a qualified kitchen remodeling contractor is an important part of the job. In fact, this is your most important task in the whole project.
Here, in our current Complete Home Remodeling Guide, there are 6 tips to aid you in hiring the right kitchen remodeling contractor for your project. This is the person who will coordinate sub-contractors and make sure that every phase of the installation is done correctly and in accordance with your wishes.
Tip #1: Ask friends and neighbors for suggestions.
Find out what contractors others have used and ask them a list of questions. This firsthand information is invaluable. Find out if the work was done on time and on budget. Ask if there have been any problems since the job was completed and how those were resolved. Ask if they would hire them again. Get a list together of 3 or 4 kitchen remodeling contractors you hear consistently good things about.
Tip #2: Interview the contractors on your list. Here is the information you will want to get from them.
- How long have they been in business in the area?
- What is their experience and training?
- Are they a licensed contractor or builder?
- Do they carry liability insurance and workers compensation insurance?
- How well-trained are their crews?
- Do they do the work or hire subcontractors?
- If they hire subcontractors, how do they ensure quality control?
- Can you visit a job they are currently working on?
- When do they start and quit work for the day?
- What is the payment schedule?
- Ask about references.
- Ask to see documentation regarding their license, bonding if they have it, and the insurances they carry.
Tip #3: Check their references.
Ask their references the same kinds of questions you asked your friends. You’re looking for confirmation that hiring this kitchen remodeling contractor would be a good decision.
Tip #4: Ask for written estimates from at least 2 contractors.
Multiple estimates mean you’ll get more competitive bids. Evaluate the bids and ask follow-up questions so that you are clear on all the details. Each estimate should identify who is going to do the work, exactly what will be done, what materials will be used, a firm price for the work and a guarantee of its quality.
Tip #5: Ask to see a contract.
Even if the details of the contract aren’t filled in until you hire a contractor, their basic contract should specify the exact bid price, a payment schedule, a site plan, a schedule of the work phases and when they will likely be completed, a change-order clause that allows you to change your mind about details of the project and how those changes are handled, how disputes are resolved, a waiver lien that won’t hold you liable if you pay the contractor but he fails to pay a subcontractor. Finally, the contract should contain an express limited warranty of all the work done that the contractor is responsible for.
Tip #6: Evaluate the information and hire a contractor.
Once you’ve gained as much information as you can and are comfortable that the contractor is fair and someone you can work with, sign a contract.
Does it seem like a hassle to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor? It is a bit of a hassle. But your hassles and headaches will be many times worse if you cut corners on this process and hire a bad contractor. Doing your due diligence will pay off in a rewarding, if not flawless, experience of having a new kitchen installed, and in a kitchen you’ll enjoy using and being in for many, many years.