Planning your dream kitchen takes more than just looking up ideas online and implementing them in your space. There is a proper workforce involved and without a qualified kitchen remodeling contractor, it will be nigh impossible to get your kitchen spruced up the way you want it to be.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the research on just what is required for the best route to take when it comes to kitchen remodeling and choosing a suitable contractor. There’s a lot packed in here, so strap in!
What to look for in a contractor
Contractors come in all shapes and sizes – literally. But in order to bag the best of them, you need to know what exactly you value in a professional. Some may be better at one thing while they may not be so good at the other. Which is okay. They’re only human. But for the sake of a better resource, let’s check out the main points you always want to tick off in a kitchen remodeling contractor:
- Competence: Your contractor should always be a professional who has certificates and preferably a company backing them up. You don’t want to go for an amateur who doesn’t have a portfolio or testimonials to show.
- Credentials: Professional contractors always have some kind of credentials to show. These can range from certifications from recognized authorities to special licensing for residential contractors. Check with your local Consumer Protection Agency for a better guide on what credentials to look out for.
- Communication skills: It’s no use if you’re paying top dollar for a professional who can’t get his point across or can’t understand what you’re trying to say. A good contractor is bound to have expert communication skills so they can build what you want, how you want it, and where you want it with relative ease.
These are the three C’s you want to check for whenever you’re looking for a suitable contractor. Everyone has their ups and downs but a contractor should always come equipped with these three to ensure your project goes smoothly from start to finish.
How to find a suitable contractor
There are a bunch of ways to find a good kitchen remodeling contractor. Nowadays people usually flock to the internet but, for some reason, if you can’t find someone online then have a look at other, tried and tested options:
- Word of Mouth: News travels fast. Usually if your neighborhood has a good contractor working in it, you’re bound to bump into someone who has availed their services. You’ll know if they’re a good professional (or bad) and how to contact them. Just ask around.
- Online Services: We live in the digital world. The best way to access any service is just looking it up on the world wide web and then taking it from there. But for your convenience, we’d suggest you have a look at Houzz and HomeAdvisor for remote remodeling contractors or general guidance.
- Directories and Member Organizations: Directories like Yelp can further enhance your online experience by offering a plethora of companies to choose from. Plus, if you use Google to look up services, the platform uses your location to give you companies that are present in the same zip code.
How to Verify a Contractor
Great. You’ve shortlisted the contractors you’ll potentially be moving forward with. But the question is, how do you nail which contractor makes it to remodeling your kitchen? For this, checking their data, credentials, and work history is a good way to go about it.
Firstly, you should look up your contractor’s website or the company website that they work for. Checking if the company is legit should be your main concern. Then, look up that company’s portfolio, profile, blog, hirings and any addresses that they might have so you know their presence is confirmed.
Next, look for certifications like those given by National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Having these in a professional portfolio is clear indication that the contractor is ready to go above and beyond of what is asked of them, making sure you get what you’re asking for with your peace of mind intact.
Plan for the Unexpected
Taking on an entire remodeling project often comes with its fair share of surprises. Potential delays and hidden costs might catch you by surprise. It’s best to plan ahead and have some extra cash saved up just in case there is a hit to your base budget or timeline.
It is also a good rule to call contractors for a free estimate so you can pen down key points to what sort of remodeling you’re looking at. Since contractors know their stuff, you will also be able to get a realistic look at the project you’re about to undertake.
Get a Written Contract
It is absolutely imperative to have a contract at the ready before having the professional start their work. In many ways, a contract is like a blueprint that has a draft of everything that is going to be built.
This contract will also be a safeguard for you to avoid any hidden fees or convoluted communication with your contractor. They will know what to work on and their boundaries and vice versa.
Site plan, payment schedule, terms, scope of work, all these things go in there and make sure the work stays on schedule without any major hiccups.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on how to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor. Remember, the best works are only possible when you’ve done your research and know exactly what you want. A dream kitchen can only be brought to life when you have Social Renovations. So get to it, and build the kitchen you’ve always wanted!