How to find a contractor for a Kitchen Remodel
It can certainly be a challenge to find the right kitchen remodel contractor. Sometimes, a contractor can have other strengths, but when it comes to kitchen remodeling they may not be as experienced.
So, how do you find a good kitchen remodeling contractor? In this article, we’ll give you a few tips for finding an excellent kitchen remodeling contractor.
1. Search around the internet
First off, you should do a Google search for “kitchen remodeling contractors” and see who is in your area. There may be many general contractors in your area, but many of them may not be experienced with kitchen remodeling. For a kitchen remodel, it’s important to use someone who is experienced since many issues can arise during a kitchen remodel.
Check out their kitchen remodel section of their websites in more detail. Look for pictures of their recent kitchen remodeling projects. If they have created many different kitchens, it’s likely that they have the experience to tackle your kitchen.
If a general contractor doesn’t specialize in kitchen remodeling, it’s better to find a contractor that does. Ask the kitchen remodeling contractor what licenses they hold, and what certifications they have.
Check out our kitchen remodeling gallery here.
2. Check out their kitchen remodel reviews
You should also look at a contractor’s kitchen remodel reviews. Look at sites such as Houzz, Yelp, and Google to see their reviews. If a kitchen remodeling contractor doesn’t have reviews, that’s not a good sign.
It could mean that they don’t have the necessary experience, or that they just don’t have any happy customers willing to sing their praises. At South Eastern Carpentry, we’ve had dozens of happy customers, and we’ve worked on many different kitchen remodels. Check out our testimonials here.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations as well. They may know of someone who can help remodel your kitchen.
3. Ask for a free consultation & estimate
When you find a kitchen remodeling contractor, ask them if they could meet with you in person before the work begins. Listen to their recommendations for your kitchen, and request a customized plan for how they will remodel your kitchen.
What needs to be replaced? What can be kept? What budget can they work with? Do they have a large team that can help? What are some potential issues that could come up? Make sure you get the answers to all these questions.
Also, be sure to think about whether you will need to replace your cabinets. When you’re remodeling your kitchen, replacing cabinets is very common.
If you are considering building custom cabinets in your home, make sure the kitchen remodeling contractor you’re working with can order custom cabinets for you. We recommend using a custom cabinetry maker such as SoCal Carpentry.
Make sure that they listen to you and your concerns during your meeting. It’s never a good sign if the contractor does way more talking than the customer does. You want a kitchen remodeling contractor that will truly listen to you and try their best to understand your remodeling concerns.
4. Get an estimate in writing
After you’ve had your initial meeting with a kitchen remodeling contractor, request that they prepare documents. You don’t have to sign these documents until you hire them but asking the contractor to prepare these documents shows professionalism.
Asking for papers assures that every detail of the kitchen remodel project is made clear. Make sure the written agreement includes a quote or bid as well as a payment schedule.
You will also want to make sure the documents contain the scope of the kitchen remodeling work, a schedule of tasks to be completed, a change-order clause, a list for close-out tasks, an express limited warranty, and a clause about dispute resolution.
The contract should also include a waiver of lien. If the professional you are speaking with does not draft these documents, it’s a sure sign that the person you’re thinking of working with isn’t legitimate.
Finding a kitchen remodeling contractor can definitely be a pain, but it’s not hopeless. If you would like a free kitchen remodeling estimate, contact South Eastern Carpentry Inc. We can help you build your dream kitchen!
