If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, you might have already gathered inspiration from the internet, as well as determined your renovation budget and goal. Now, the next most crucial task is to find the right professional. When looking for a renovation professional, you have two options- either to hire a general contractor or find a kitchen renovation specialist. Ideally, you should seek the services of a renovation contractor specializing in kitchen remodel and renovation. A general contractor offers a wide range of renovation and construction services. Unless you’re planning an entire home renovation, it’s better to find a specialist. Kitchen renovation contractors can handle every aspect of your project- from designing custom kitchen cabinetry to installing countertops and more.
It is always best to avoid contractors who claim to handle everything- from repairing the roof to remodeling the bathroom and basement. A specialist is a master who understands the complexities of kitchen renovation. However, all renovation contractors claim to have expertise in kitchen renovation and it can be difficult to find a specialist for the job. So, if you’re overwhelmed with hundreds of options available on Google, here are some tips that will narrow down your choice. Below we’ve mentioned some useful tips to find a trustworthy kitchen renovation contractor to revamp your space.
Credentials & License
You can begin the search with word of mouth. Your relatives, friends, and neighbors can recommend some local contractors. But don’t hire any professional based on referral. Every project has unique needs and to ensure that you’re hiring the right professional, you need to dig deeper. Once you have a few names, do some preliminary research to ensure that the contractor is licensed and hold some designations from any professional associations like the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) or the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). A license indicates that the contractor has passed rigorous tests to prove their knowledge of the trades.
Ask the Right Questions
Contact licensed contractors and ask questions related to your project. During this initial consultation, you need to find out if the contractor specializes in kitchen renovation. Based on their past experience and project portfolio, you can narrow down the list of potential contractors. It is also important to ask about the insurance and employee training. The best kitchen renovation contractors provide details of their past projects, as well as give a quote and expected timeline.
Expertise & Reputation
A kitchen remodeling contractor should be able to manage the entire project from start to finish. The full-service contractors handle permits, take care of local building codes, as well as offer efficient design solutions to create a functional and attractive kitchen. However, even if the contractor claims to handle everything smoothly, you need to verify their promises. Take help of the review sites on the internet such as Yelp and BBB to find out past complaints and customer reviews. If everything looks satisfactory, the final step is getting the details of the project in writing. A reliable contractor will provide you with a detailed contract mentioning the scope of work, timeline, cost of labor and material, payment arrangement, and more.