Kitchen remodels involve replacing (not just repainting or refinishing) all major surfaces, including flooring, cabinets and countertops. They also often involve relocating and modifying plumbing and electrical.
Before hiring a contractor, you should ask for references and interview them thoroughly. During the interview, ask questions about project experience, what kind of work they specialize in, and what type of licenses and insurance they have.
Experience
Contractors have the expertise to navigate building codes, work with suppliers for high-quality cabinetry and tools, and stay on top of scheduling. They keep tabs on the big picture vision of your kitchen renovation while tackling a myriad of tasks, including demolition, construction, plumbing and electrical.
A skilled contractor will discuss your budget constraints openly during the planning phase. This ensures that your new kitchen reflects your design aesthetics while staying within the boundaries of your financial limitations.
A full-bore kitchen redo typically requires major construction activities, such as removing walls or opening up ceilings. This is the point when contractors install flooring, cabinets and other materials. They might also complete the rough-ins for plumbing and electricity, depending on your project. They also take care of demolition and clean up. This is a time when it’s important to choose a contractor with experience and a strong track record. It’s the best way to avoid unforeseen problems and delays in construction.
Commitment
A kitchen remodel is a major undertaking. Your contractor should take the time to understand your goals and expectations. This will help them develop a realistic timeline and budget for the project. They should also keep you updated throughout the process, so you can track the progress being made.
During the planning stage, kitchen remodeling contractors create 3D renderings of the final results and work with you to select materials (this could involve visiting a design showroom). Kitchen contractors may even be able to pull permits for you, which is important for making sure that all building codes are met and inspections passed.
Once the big-ticket items have been installed, your kitchen remodeling contractor will add the finishing touches. This can include installing a backsplash, hanging artwork, and adding any other details that bring your new kitchen to life. It will also be the time to address any blemishes that occurred during construction and installation.
Referrals
Your network can provide valuable recommendations for a kitchen remodeling contractor, but it is also important to use online search tools like Angi’s to help you narrow your choices. This will ensure that you are comparing pros who are located near you and are legitimately licensed, insured, and in good standing with the BBB.
In addition to helping homeowners find a kitchen remodeling pro, Angi’s search tools make it easy for contractors to share positive reviews and feedback from past clients. This is a great way to build trust with potential new customers.
The general contractors who are referred by Angi often have ongoing relationships with sub-contractors and can provide competitive rates for labor and materials. This can save the homeowner time and frustration by eliminating the need to interview, hire, and supervise multiple different contractors for individual phases of the kitchen remodel. This also helps to reduce the risk of miscommunication or disagreements between the homeowner and the contractor.
Insurance
As you shop for a contractor, ask if they are licensed, bonded and insured. These three qualities indicate that the contractor is ethically and legally operating their business. Also, ask about their renovation insurance. This type of policy, often called builder’s risk insurance or renovation coverage, provides protection against damage to a home during a remodel, such as theft, fire and weather.
Kitchen remodeling can add value to a home, but it’s important to take into account how the project will impact homeowners insurance. In many cases, a remodel will increase the home’s replacement cost and require that your home insurance policy be increased accordingly.
It’s also a good idea for contractors to carry professional liability insurance, which can protect them against lawsuits arising from errors in their work. This type of coverage is typically available as a stand-alone policy or as an add-on to package policies. In addition, your remodeling company should have commercial property insurance that covers its equipment and supplies.