side from setting aside a renovation budget and having a clear vision of how your dream kitchen is going to look like, choosing the right contractor is perhaps the next major aspect of a kitchen remodel.
While it is so much fun gathering inspirations and devising the initial plans for your brand new kitchen, hiring the right contractor to bring all of it to life can be a headache. In order to find the best kitchen remodeling contractor for your home, there are many things to consider. Thankfully, here’s a quick guide on how you can get started.
Do Your Research.
This is perhaps the most tedious part of the process. But you know what they say — the first step is always the hardest.
You can start building your list of potential contractors by getting recommendations from someone you know. Ask your colleagues, friends, neighbors, family members, or even a contractor that you worked with in the past for a different part of your home.
After getting these referrals from your own social circle, search online to learn more about kitchen remodeling companies in your area. List down every contractor you
find. You can try looking up local area contractors on Facebook or Google, or other websites that are made solely for finding contractor information such as HomeAdvisor or The National Association of the Remodelling Industry. For a more comprehensive list of home renovation websites, check out The Best Home Renovation Websites of 2020.
When searching for contractors online, there are a couple of things to take note of. Make sure to check each contractor’s ratings, the reviews written by their past clients, actual images of their past projects (not just digital painted architectural renderings), affiliations, professional licenses, and insurance. Additionally, ensure that the credentials and other information found on their websites are factual by cross-referencing them with third-party websites.
Narrow Down Your List.
After listing down all the contractors and companies you found, trim your list by picking your top few choices. Selecting three would be ideal, but you can also choose five if you really cannot decide just yet.
Compare their portfolios and talk to them on the phone so you can have a better grasp of what they can offer. Give them an overview of your remodeling requirements and ask them whether they can do all of them. For example, you might want to confirm whether they can also build your kitchen cabinets or provide a specific type of tilework.
Ask For Estimates.
At this point, your research and interview with your prospective contractors should have resulted in only two to three top candidates. Schedule a consultation with them so that they can provide you with an estimate.
Once they are at your house to look at your kitchen, provide them with as many details as possible on how exactly you want your new kitchen to be. Discuss every single aspect of the design including the measurements, fixtures, storage space, flooring, materials, budget, and project timeline. Doing so will allow them to provide you with an accurate quotation.
Get Things in Writing.
Now that you have finally chosen the best kitchen remodeling contractor that matches your requirements and preferences, it is time to sign an agreement.
Thoroughly review the contract provided by your contractor by checking each section and making sure that all the project specifics are in order. Before signing, confirm that the timeline, materials, costs, working hours, payment terms, permits, and other project specifics are stated as previously discussed.
Hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor might be challenging, but it is going to be worth it. Now that your home improvement project is in the hands of a professional, the rest of the renovation should not be as stressful.
