Living in Orange County, CA is a luxury few people can afford, especially in the coastal areas and adjoining cities. What is true regarding kitchen remodeling in other locations is even more so here. It is common knowledge that a kitchen remodel is the best investment a homeowner can make followed by a master bath remodel. So, assuming a kitchen or bath remodel is planned, how can the homeowner avoid becoming one of the horror stories we have all heard?
There are two primary components of any kitchen or bath remodeling project. One part consists of the hard items which are the fixtures and materials to be used. It is important that these are evaluated as to their quality to cost ratio. There are always budgetary constraints that place limits on the quality one can afford or justify to use on any given project. Consequently, compromises are always being made in an attempt to find just the right balance between the level of quality we want or can accept and the amount of money and/or other resources we are willing or able to invest.
The second component in the project is the soft part. It has to do with the nature, expertise and communication skills of the person or company who will be orchestrating the design and construction. This person or company will, for some period of time and to some extent, hold your peace of mind in their hands. You will suffer less from a poor product or materials selection than you will from selecting the wrong contractor.
The company you are looking for should have a showroom where they have invested a significant amount of their profits to display what they sell and show the financial commitment to serving their market. They are less likely to abandon projects and are easier to find.
They should of course have the necessary licenses and insurance. They should also be able to provide at least a dozen recent clients for you to contact. Be sure you do.
Also very important is the communication style and temperament of the person with whom you will be working throughout the project. Sometimes this is not the pleasant sales person who sold you the job but a surly foreman who takes offense whenever you question him. Be sure you interview that person since it is they you will be dancing with.
Remember, the party you select to waltz with thru this process will either watch your back or step on your toes.