Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Finding the right kitchen remodeling contractors to build your dream kitchen can be a difficult prospect. Most locations have many to choose from, and they can range from skilled professionals to those who barely know a hammer from a hacksaw. Hiring the right professional will save you time, money and frustration.
Where To Find Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
If this is your first time hiring a contractor, you may be unsure of where to start. The simplest and best way to find a remodeling contractor is to ask friends and family for their recommendations. Even if they have not done a remodeling project recently, they may know someone who has or otherwise know a good contractor.
If you cannot find a contractor through a personal referral, then the next step is to go online. There are many websites devoted to rating and reviewing construction professionals in most locations. These can be valuable tools for narrowing down your search, but always remember that most busy contractors will have the occasional bad review. However, if there is a trend of negative reviews it is a good idea to find someone else.
What to Ask Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Once you have a few possibilities, call them to discuss the project. An experienced professional will usually be able to provide general estimates of cost and time to completion. Be sure they are someone you feel comfortable talking to and discussing ideas with so that you can stay involved throughout the remodeling process. Good kitchen remodeling contractors will want the homeowner to be involved to ensure that they are satisfied with the end result.
During this initial interview you should also ask about any certifications the contractor holds. They should be certified with at least one organization such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). There are many certifying bodies and some are better than others, so be sure to research your contractor’s qualifications. In addition, many states require contractors to be licensed so make sure they have a current one for your location.
As a final check against fraudulent kitchen remodeling contractors, look into their business practices. Make sure they have all appropriate business licenses in addition to their trade licenses. Do a bit of research and see if you can find out how long they have been doing business in your area and under their current name. Check to make sure they maintain a business phone number, liability insurance and mailing address. A good contractor should always be willing to provide references, so ask for those and check them. Fraudulent contractors will generally drift from place to place and not have a good client history, so checking out all of these things can help make sure you get the best contractor.
Remodeling can be a long and tiring process, but finding the right professionals to help you will make things considerably easier. It can be frustrating to interview multiple contractors and check their references, but it is worth it in the end. Hiring the right kitchen remodeling contractors from the beginning will ensure that you have your dream kitchen when the project is done.
Also see: Remodeling Contractors