How To Hire A Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

how-to-hire-a-kitchen-remodeling-contractor

Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking your time, doing the research and asking the right questions can make the process easier. Make sure to look for contractors with experience in kitchen remodelling and ensure they are licensed and insured. You’re also going to want to ask for references and get a written estimate. Let us get to know the points in depth.

Qualifications of the contractor 

When it comes to kitchen remodelling, you want to make sure that the contractor you hire has the necessary qualifications to do the job. This means looking for contractors with experience in kitchen remodelling and ensuring they have the necessary licenses and certifications. 

You should also ask for references and get a written estimate to ensure that the contractor is honest and transparent about the project’s cost. Additionally, check their insurance coverage to verify that they are properly insured and that you won’t be left in a bind if something goes wrong.

General Contractor vs Kitchen Remodeling Specialist

You have two options when choosing the right contractor for your kitchen to remodel. You can either opt for a general contractor with experience in kitchen remodelling and they know how to renovate your kitchen, or you can go with a specialist. Both options have pros and cons, so it is important to do your research and ask questions to ensure you are making the best decision for your project. 

For example, a general contractor may be less expensive and more flexible regarding pricing and project deadlines. However, a specialist kitchen remodelling contractor may have more experience and know-how in this particular area.

To ensure quality standards in their work, you or the contractor you choose should be a licensed general contractor through the state. Both have different business models, which makes them different.

In addition to handling a wide variety of projects, a general contractor with experience in kitchens may be a good choice for your kitchen remodel. Unlike kitchen specialists, these builders have experience with adjacent projects, such as earthwork, masonry, and roofing. A general contractor would be a good fit for an addition to the home or a whole-home renovation, but most general contractors are well-versed in renovating kitchens.

Look for Licensed contractors

When seeking a home improvement project, it is important to ensure the contractor is licensed and carries liability insurance. Licenses are typically granted by the state, not by counties or municipalities. Working with a licensed and insured contractor puts you in a better position if something goes wrong or the job isn’t done to your satisfaction. Reviewing the contractor’s past work and asking for references is also important.

To earn a contractor license, contractors must pass rigorous testing to demonstrate their knowledge of trades, business practices, and law.

The contractor should provide you with their license number and certificate of insurance (COI). Be sure to follow up to make sure they are in good standing. If you want to verify the status of your license, you should contact the licensing board in your state. Verify that your insurance policy is up-to-date with the carrier. 

The contractor’s resume is more credible when a member of an active professional association. It is common practice for members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to promote their affiliations with these organizations.

Services offered by experienced contractors

Working with a qualified kitchen remodelling contractor means knowing your project is managed properly and efficiently. From start to finish, a contractor will be able to handle all of your permitting and inspection needs, make sure that all building codes and regulations are met, provide intelligent decisions on the materials and methods used in the remodelling, and coordinate a team of skilled professionals to get the job done right.

Both the contractor’s employees and subcontractors are scheduled and coordinated by the contractor. In addition to the physical project, their scope of work includes the following:

  • Old kitchen demolished
  • Restoration or repair of an existing structure before construction of a new one
  • Building a new kitchen

In addition to construction services, some contractors also provide architectural or design services. Customers who require more than a simple remove-and-replace can take advantage of these services. 

This kind of service will be ideal if you have big kitchen renovation ideas that your contractor would like to see brought to life. Designers improve functionality and aesthetics while architects plan structural changes.

How to find a contractor?

To start, you will need to assemble a list of contractors. This could include anyone with experience doing a certain type of construction – whether it’s drywall, tile work, or another craft. Reach out to your network of neighbours, friends, family and coworkers for referrals. 

Also, reach out to NKBBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry)​and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders)​to find their members’ businesses in your area. 

Asking the Right Questions of a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Now that you’ve narrowed down your pool of candidates reach out to your top three. For example, if two of the top three candidates are in the same geographic region and another is an architect of the same price point, invite them for an in-home meeting at a location and time that makes sense for both of you. Take plenty of notes and ask a few essential questions during your meeting. You’ll need to include the following:

  • Is your business licensed and insured?
  • Are you or your employees certified in remodelling, such as a Certified Remodeler, Certified Remodeler Specialist, Certified Lead Carpenter, or Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler?
  • Can you provide me with references from past projects?
  • Who will be responsible for completing the project? Does the company have employees or subcontractors?
  • How do you expect to be paid?
  • Do you provide estimates or quotes?

Selecting the Best Kitchen Renovation Contractor

Request bids from contractors who pass your initial screening. Provide the same information to all contractors so you can receive accurate quotes for the same work. Describe specific materials, brands, and decisions you’ve already made as precisely as possible. You must Include the following:

  • Funds
  • Kitchen Layout
  • Cabinet designs
  • Brands and materials for countertops and floors
  • Electrical component placement
  • Permissible hours of work
  • Schedule
  • Examine the documents for professionalism as well as content when bids are received. Offers must be specific and well-defined. They ought to contain the following:
  • Total cost
  • Schedule for payments
  • Work’s design
  • Site map
  • A list of the main construction duties
  • Order of Change Clause
  • Closeout procedure list
  • Limited express warranty
  • Provision for resolving disputes
  • Release of Lien

Choose Impressions kitchen for the best kitchen remodelling.

If you are looking to remodel your kitchen and want an experienced contractor team to deal with the renovation, Impressions kitchen is the place to go. Your dream kitchen, bathroom, mudroom, or office can be designed and renovated with the design team’s assistance. The emphasis is on functional style at a reasonable price for the home and commercial spaces.

More to explorer

We would love to hear about your project. Send us some project info and receive a call or email from our design team.

Join The IK Newsletter for Trends Discounts News Tips