subject: Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor [print this page] Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
A kitchen remodeling project can add a great deal of value to your home and improve your quality of life, but only if it's done right. The most important decision: hire a kitchen remodeling contractor who's reliable and competent. Below are some of the steps to ensure that you hire a good contractor and end up with a successful project.
Determine Your Remodeling Budget: The first step, figure out what you want to change about your kitchen and what you want to keep. What is your vision for a newly remodeled kitchen? How do you want to use it? What parts of the kitchen do you want to spend more money on and which parts are less important to you? Do your research and discover what materials cost. Determine what is feasible and how much you can afford to spend.
Get Remodeling Contractor Recommendations: Get recommendations from your friends and check with professional societies such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or the National Association of Homebuilders. Other professionals such as building inspectors can supply referrals. Only consider reputable, licensed contractors with a proven track record.
Interview Prospective Contractors: Interview potential contractors on the phone. Ask them about similar projects and get a sense of their availability. Hire a company that can complete your project on time. Explain your vision for the kitchen remodeling project. Ask for their ideas, too. Get a sense of how busy the contractor is and when he or she can schedule your work. It's also important that you feel comfortable with the contractor. After all, you will see a lot of them during the project.
Collect Written Estimates: Once you settle on a few contractors, get a written estimate. You don't necessarily want to go with the lowest bid. Make sure that you include other factors such as reliability and quality of work when making your decision. The estimate should include the following:
A detailed description of the work.
Specifications for materials.
Timeline for completion of the work.
A firm price.
The contractor's guarantee.
Check Those References: Ask for references. Ask those references if the contractor completed the job on time and on budget. Find out if the workers were reliable and whether the contractor was easy to work with. Would they use this contractor again? See if the contractor has a current work site that you can visit. Check with the Better Business Bureau to investigate previous complaints and resolutions.
Read Every Line in the Contract: The contract should describe:
Every step of the project and the contractor's exact responsibilities.
The payment schedule.
Proof of liability insurance and worker's compensation.
Estimated start and completion dates.
Information on how subcontractors are paid.
Permitting requirements.
How change orders are handled.
Specifications for materials.
Release of lien (in case the contractor doesn't pay the subcontractors or bills for materials).
