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Whether the goal is to improve the functionality of your home or increase its resale value, a kitchen renovation will help. However, unless you are a skilled DIYer, even a small update requires the expertise of a kitchen remodeling contractor.
Kitchen remodeling contractor qualifications
How do you choose the right contractor to renovate your home at a fair price? It all depends on their level of expertise, service, and excellence in their work. Here are some tips on choosing the best contractor to remodel your kitchen.
General Contractor vs. Kitchen Remodeler
When deciding on the right professional contractor for your kitchen remodel, you choose between hiring a general contractor with experience in kitchen remodeling or hiring a professional kitchen remodeling contractor. The difference between these two lies in their business model. To be clear, no matter who you choose, both must be state-licensed general contractors to ensure the quality standards of their work.
A general contractor who handles a variety of projects can be a good choice for your kitchen remodel if they also have a lot of kitchen experience. These masons will likely have more experience in adjoining projects, such as earthworks, masonry, and roofing than kitchen professionals do not. If your project involves home additions or entire home repairs, a general contractor would be the right choice, but most general contractors should know how to renovate a kitchen.
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Kitchen remodeling experts focus on all things kitchen. These individuals also offer design services to help define your vision for the new space before building it. If your project is primarily limited to getting rid of an old kitchen and creating a new one, these professionals will provide the expertise to make the space of your dreams.
Credentials
Only work with a licensed and insured contractor—States issue contractor licenses, which are not the same as county or city business licenses. To obtain a contractor’s right, they must pass rigorous testing to demonstrate their knowledge of the profession, business practice, and law.
Ask contractors for their license number and certificate of insurance (COI). Follow up to verify that they are in good condition. Contact your state’s licensing board to confirm license status. Contact the policy provider to confirm current coverage.
Active professional association membership adds another layer of legitimacy to a contractor’s resume. Most members of the National Association of Kitchens & Bathrooms (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will promote partnerships. This end.
Services that a kitchen remodeling contractor provides
A kitchen remodeling contractor will oversee your project from start to finish. They will handle all permits and inspections, navigate building codes, make intelligent decisions about methods and materials, and coordinate a team of expertly skilled craftsmen. Contractors schedule and coordinate the entire project, including their employees and subcontractors. Their scope of work covers physics as the whole project, including:
- Demolition of the old kitchen
- Restore or repair existing structures in preparation for new construction
- New kitchen construction
Some contractors also offer architectural or design services. These services add an extra level of convenience for customers who need more than simple disassembly and replacement. If you have big kitchen renovation ideas that you would like your contractor to help bring to life, such a service would be a great idea. Architects specialize in planning structural changes while designers improve functionality and aesthetics.
How to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor
Start your search by putting together a list of contractors. Ask your network of neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues for referrals. Alternatively, contact the NKBA, NARI, or NAHB to find their member businesses in your area.
You can do more research on those companies by looking up customer reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other third-party sites and checking their ratings on Better Business. Bureau (BBB).
Narrow your candidate pool down to the top three or five. Prioritize your shortlist and start contacting your top candidates. Provide an overview of the project and any additional services you will need, like architecture or design. Ask for their license and insurance credentials so that you can verify them before your home appointment.
Questions to ask a kitchen remodeling contractor
Do you have a license and insurance?
You or your employee has been certified in remodeling or has special training or education, such as a Certified Remodeler, Certified Remodeler, Certified Master Carpenter, or Certified Repairman.
- Are the kitchens and bathrooms certified?
- Can I have a list of references from past projects?
- Who will work on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
- What is your pay expectation?
- Will you provide an estimate or a quote?
Choose the right kitchen remodeling contractor.
Attract bids from bidders that pass your initial screening. To get accurate quotes from multiple contractors for the same job, give each contractor the same information. Give them as much detail as possible about specific materials, brands, or other choices you’ve made. Includes the following:
- Budget
- Kitchen Design
- Types of cabinets
- Countertop and floor materials and brands
- Location of electrical parts
- Working hours are accepted
- Timeline
When suggesting, review documents for professionalism as well as the content. Bids must be detailed and clearly defined. They should include:
- Price
- Payment schedule
- Scope of work
- Floor plan
- Basic construction quest progress
- Change order terms
- List of procedures to close the book
- Show limited warranty
- Dispute Resolution Terms
- Relinquishment of lien