What to Look for in a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
When the time comes to remodel your kitchen, the first thing you’ll need to understand is what to look for in a kitchen remodeling contractor. It’s not as easy as picking the cheapest priced contractor, or hiring the first one you find online when searching for kitchen remodeling contractor on Google (although a first-page listing is a good sign). There’s more to it than that. Consider a few of these important factors to help you decide on the right contractor to remodel your home.
Ask for Referrals
Think about it. Before we used the internet to look things up, we asked friends, neighbors, and family. Word of mouth referrals were the ideal option to helping us find the best kitchen remodeling contractor, dentist, doctor, or any other service provider locally. Today, referrals are a bit easier to come by with the internet. When checking referrals you should
- Rely on family, friends, and neighbor (word of mouth referrals still go a long way)
- Use Yelp and other review sites (don’t simply rely on the 5-Star ratings on the contractor’s website)
- Make sure you check the BBB for ratings, negative reviews, etc
If you want to hire the best, you’ll have to do some digging. Make sure the contractor is well-known, reputable, and has a solid reputation in your local community.
Make Sure They’re Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
If you’re narrowing down the search when comparing several contractors, you’ll want to hire those which are certified and licensed to do the work you’re hiring them for, right? Make sure the contractor carries liability insurance. Additionally,
- Check to see their license number is up to date (don’t just take their word for it, you can look it up online)
- Find out if their employees are covered in the event of damage/issues during the project
- Make sure they’re certified in kitchen remodeling or other specialized services you want completed
It’s your right to request this information. It’s your home, and you want to know the kitchen remodeling contractor you hire, is truly qualified to do their job. Make sure you check the boxes before choosing who to hire.
Request to Review Their Portfolio (Don’t Have One? – Move on)
More often than not, contractors who are good at their job will freely share this, before you ever ask to see it. They’ll show you major remodeling jobs they’ve completed and how good the work came out. They’ll have photos sprawled on their website. And, customers will plaster their website with photos if they’re happy with the work as well.
All of these are good signs you’re dealing with a professional that’s good at what they do. If a contractor is shy to share, doesn’t have a portfolio, or limits what they’ll actually show you, think twice about dealing with them.
What are Their Credentials?
Apart from licenses and certification, is the contractor a member of the
- National Kitchen & Bath Association
- National Association of Remodeling Industry
Or, do they belong to any professional trade groups or organizations? Although this shouldn’t be a make or break it when you’re searching for a contractor, it will help you decide who’s the most qualified for your home remodeling project.
Experience Matters
Think about any profession for a minute. Would you rather hire a lawyer that’s been in practice for 20 years or 2 months? The same goes with a doctor, dentist, or other service professional. You obviously want those who are experienced, who’ve seen and defeated challenges in their industry, and have knowledge and understanding of what to do, in the event issues arise. The same goes with your kitchen remodeling contractor.
Not only do you want to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor that’s been in the industry for years, but one that has a solid reputation as well. And, you want to ensure they’ve been doing similar remodeling jobs as the one you want completed in your home.
Who’s Right for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project?
It depends! Understanding what to look for in a kitchen remodeling contractor is just the start. You’ll have to compare a minimum of 3 to 5 contractors to get a good idea of who the best is. This will also allow you to find the most affordable contractor for the job, and those which guarantee your satisfaction with the work. This is a good starting point to help you find the right contractor, and to ensure you’ll be pleased with the outcome of the work when you decide which contractor to hire.
Contact us to learn more about home additions and to schedule a complimentary consultation.
