Are you remodeling your kitchen for the first time? Learn how to choose the right contractor and the questions to ask before you start the project.
Hiring a contractor is the first step to succeeding in your kitchen remodeling project. You must get it right here if you want to see value in your modern kitchen space.
How to hire a kitchen contractor?
There are various steps that you must engage in to get the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling. Reflectively, we will share five factors to consider when hiring a kitchen contractor.
- Consider the qualifications of the contractor
- Consider the experience of the contractor
- Peruse the portfolio
- Ask for references
- Consider the cost of hiring a contractor.
These are the basic considerations that will help you find the right contractor to inspire the installation of modern kitchen cabinets to create a modern kitchen space.
However, these considerations are not definitive; you should use specific questions to help you find the right contractor. We will share all the questions and the expected answers.
Questions to ask your kitchen contractor
How long have you been in the business?
You must be looking for an experienced contractor to take charge of your remodeling project. Therefore, it is important to ask about the experience the contractor has before you hire them.
This doesn’t mean that you cannot give an inexperienced contractor a chance to work for you. For example, if you are simply installing modern kitchen cabinets, you only need a contractor that is capable of delivering such installations. It is also worth remembering that the more experienced contractors charge more for remodeling projects.
You can compare different contractors before you settle on one based on experience.
Do you have a license?
There are different requirements set by local authorities for contractors to meet before they can work in these jurisdictions. Don’t assume that a contractor automatically is approved to work in your local area; ask them about licensing before you pick them as your contractors.
When you ask this question, a contractor who is licensed will explain in detail the requirements. This information will keep you confident to allow them to work for you. Remember, even a simple installation of modern kitchen cabinets requires a competent and qualified contractor, thus, important to ask about licensing.
Will you obtain building permissions from local authorities?
As a follow-up to the licensing question, you should ask your contractor about building permissions from local authorities. Ask if they will seek the relevant permissions on your behalf.
Of course, a good contractor will do all the legal work on your behalf. This reduces your involvement in the project and increases your chances of success.
What is your expected timeline for completion?
You should ask about the expected timeline for completing the remodeling project even before you share your desired timeline with the contractor. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you engage this contractor in the project.
Remember, the scope of your remodeling project is also going to influence the timeline. If yours is a simple installation of modern kitchen cabinets, you should expect a faster timeline. However, a longer wait should be inevitable for whole-kitchen remodeling.
What is the total cost?
This is an important question that you must know before you hire a contractor for your remodeling project.
The kitchen contractor needs to tell you the total cost which includes the cost of buying equipment, installation, and service charge. Insist on getting the total cost broken down into its constituent units. This will help you evaluate their cost and determine if it is good enough for your budget.
The best way to examine the total cost is to check the cost of simple units like modern kitchen cabinets so that you can easily compare prices online to see if you are getting the best deal.
What is the payment plan?
You also need to know the payment plan for the kitchen remodeling project that you are engaging in. Some contractors want all money upfront while others offer a progressive payment plan.
It is better to opt for a progressive payment plan as opposed to an upfront payment. Discuss the payment terms with the contractor before you sign a deal.
Is there a dedicated team for this project?
You also need to know if you will have a team dedicated to your kitchen remodeling project. You need to know this because of your expected consistency. Other questions that you could ask here include:
– Will the same team work to the completion of the project?
– Who will be in charge of the team that works in your home?
– Are there any subcontractors you expect to see in your home?
– How often will the contractor visit the site?
How will you communicate with the contractor during the contract period?
You need to establish a clear communication channel with the contractor before you sign an agreement. Remember, the contractor won’t be in your home every day during the remodeling project, thus, you need to have a clear channel of communication in case you have queries about the project.
What will a working day be like?
The contractor should inform you about the working day expectations. Some of the things that you should know include:
– Start and end time for construction days
– The expected level of noise
– Things that you will remove in your kitchen for the white modern kitchen cabinets to be installed properly
– If you will be needed to be at home during the remodeling project.
How will you resolve any disagreements?
This is a crucial question that will determine the overall success of your remodeling project when a mistake or disagreement occurs.
Both you and the contractor must make clear your expectations during disagreements to avoid unnecessary battles when a mistake occurs.
Final thoughts
The success of your kitchen remodeling project depends on your contractor. Therefore, these questions should be a guide to your choice of the right kitchen remodeling contractor.