If you have decided that it is time to remodel your kitchen, the next major step is selecting a remodeling contractor to help you. Although you may have several ideas, you would like to try them. It would be best if you did not do the remodel alone. Contacting professionals can be beneficial in many ways, including creating a plan and getting estimates. To ensure that you are working with a qualified individual, ask for referrals, ask about references, or conduct interviews with the contractors you are considering. There are some things you should consider when evaluating contractors.
Ask For Referrals. Ask your friends, family, and coworkers for names of remodeling contractors they have used in the past. The first rule of thumb is that you should hire a licensed, bonded professional. This does not mean that you need to spend the money on an architect or a designer. If you have chosen to remodel a kitchen island, you will also need to hire a plumber, electrician, or general contractor. The next time you have a chat with someone, ask them about their recommendations.
Interview contractors on Quality Aspects. When interviewing potential kitchen remodelers, be sure to ask how long they have been in business, what types of certifications they hold, as well as their experience level. Be especially wary of any kitchen remodeling firms that only work with contractors who hold a license to operate in your state. Often, these contractors will sub-contract other kitchen-related work and not deliver the same quality that you are looking for.
Interview Appliances and Designer. Before choosing a contractor for the kitchen design, be sure to discuss the appliances and flooring installed. The contractor should have experience installing appliances and providing cabinet plans. Do not forget to ask about the type of wood (hardwood, softwood, etc.) that the contractor uses, the lifetime of appliances (which ones are warranty-compliant), the lighting in the kitchen, the heating, the countertops, the backsplash, the tiling, the flooring, and the cabinets’ materials.
Choices for Cabinets and Fixtures. Once the contractor has discussed the kitchen-related work that needs to be done, such as installing new cabinetry and fixtures, you can decide whether you want stainless steel appliances and countertops or prefer to go with natural wood. You might also consider having a custom kitchen installed with granite countertops, stone-ground glass tiles, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, travertine countertops, and other high-end fixtures. If you have high-end appliances and fixtures, make sure that the contractor you choose has evidence of their expertise.
Your Kitchen Design. The kitchen design is the foundation for your kitchen remodeling. Not only should you be satisfied with your contractor’s work, but you must also feel that your design ideas are practical and will not only match your existing cabinets and countertops but also blend with the overall design and style of your home. Ask the contractor to show you some examples of kitchen designs that they have completed in the past. Ask how many cabinets and how many countertops they used in each design. If possible, see actual photos of the finished kitchens that they have completed.
Temporary Kitchen. If the contractor cannot do any structural changes to your kitchen, he may recommend that you use a temporary kitchen. Using temporary kitchen structures to save you the structural changes can save you some money. However, using a temporary kitchen usually involves more work because you will not have the full kitchen reconstruction that you would if you could use your old cabinets and countertops right away.
In conclusion, you must ask questions when you are remodeling your kitchen. Get to know the people who will be working on your project. Ask if there are any special discounts or financing options available. Also, make sure you know what type of materials the contractors use to build the structures that they will be installing.