How to Select a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

How to Select a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Once you have made the decision to remodel your kitchen, you’ll need to select a top kitchen remodeling contractor to ensure your project will not only enhance your comfort and functionality but also add resale value to your home. A well-qualified kitchen remodeling contractor can guide you whether you are planning a full kitchen remodel or a smaller kitchen renovation project. . Unless you are an experienced DIYer, a kitchen remodel is not the type of project you want to attempt on your own, so the team at Tops Kitchen have prepared these tips to help you find the best kitchen remodeling contractor for your dream kitchen project.  

A Quality Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

To achieve the kitchen remodel of your dreams, you will need a contractor who will effectively oversee your project from beginning to end. Kitchen remodeling contractors follow the work every step of the way and identify potential risk from the beginning. They will also be able to successfully resolve any issues that arise along the way as they schedule and oversee the subcontractors, the work, and the workers. Plus, most can even offer architectural services as needed. 

Making the Choice 

The first step in the process is to make your list of potential kitchen remodeling contractors. You can find any number of contractors via an internet search, but it is best to limit your focus to local contractors whose completed projects you can physically see if needed. Family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers recommendations can help you narrow your list as can online reviews from websites like Angi, Yelp, Houzz, Home Advisor, and Google. User reviews can show you not only pictures of finished kitchen remodeling projects but also honest reviews of how the prospective contractor performed through the process. Many contractors also offer examples of their work on their websites for your review. 

You also want to review customer complaints as you narrow your search for the perfect kitchen contractor. While you can’t know every detail, complaints can show you how the contractor responds and how they communicate.

The next step is checking the kitchen remodeling contractors’ credentials. You want to check each potential contractor’s licenses and insurance and look for memberships in national and international groups which demonstrate standards the contractors follow in their kitchen remodeling projects.  

Now that you have a short list of kitchen remodeling contractors from which to choose, make an appointment to meet with them to get more information on your particular project. The initial interviews should focus on their work and references, the products they prefer, and even the subcontractors they work with on their projects. 

After talking with you and discussing your kitchen remodel, the contractor should be able to give you an accurate quote and timeline. Be sure you provide each potential contractor with the same information (measurements, brands, cabinetry, flooring, etc.)

As you further narrow your list of potential contractors, you will then meet and interview them regarding the details of your project. This step will help you determine how well they communicate, how comfortable you are with them, and whether you could work with them. You’ll want to ask about their business history, how they handle problems or delays, what is included in a change order, their payment terms, and more. 

After these meetings, you will have likely made up your mind regarding the best kitchen remodeling contractor for your renovation project. Now, comes the signing of the contract with your chosen contractor. As you look over your contract, you should find contact information; detailed pricing; terms of payment; working hours; insurance, bonding, and licensing documentation; a timeline including start and finish dates, as well as special details you have discussed.

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