Tips For Hiring a Contractor for a Kitchen Remodel
It is crucial to keep in mind that if you don't have personal experience with remodeling a kitchen, even a minor update calls for the expertise of a kitchen remodeling contractor.
Choosing the right contractor to transform your kitchen at a fair price comes down to their qualifications, the services they offer, and the excellence of their work. CFL Renovations is a trusted and experienced source for a home remodeling contractor in Orlando and offers these great tips for how to choose the best contractor for remodeling your kitchen.
Check credentials
It is essential to only work with licensed and insured contractors when undertaking a kitchen remodel. States are in charge of granting contractor licenses and are not the same as county or municipality business licenses. Contractors must pass rigorous testing to prove their knowledge of the trade and business practices and laws on remodeling before they can earn their license.
Always ask a contractor for his license number and Certificate of Insurance to follow up and verify that they are in good standing. In addition, you can reach out to a state's licensing board to confirm their license status and contact the insurance policy carrier to verify that the coverage is current. Finally, memberships in professional associations can add another layer of legitimacy to your contractor’s resume. These professional associations include the National Association of Home Builders, National Kitchen and Bath Association, and National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Contractors who hold these memberships are usually more than willing to promote their affiliation with them.
Services offered by contractors
Contractors are meant to oversee a project from start to finish handling all permitting, managing inspections, navigating building codes, coordinating teams of professionally skilled craftspeople, and navigating the process of making intelligent decisions on methods and materials. The scope of their services includes the entire project from the demolition of the old kitchen, restoration or repair of the existing structure, preparing for the new build, and completing the construction of the new kitchen. Some contractors also offer architectural designs services. Services like these add a level of convenience for customers who require more than a simple removal and replacement. If you are planning a massive kitchen renovation, it is essential to have a contractor who offers these services.
How to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor
It can be helpful to start the search for a contractor by gathering a list of available contractors. Seeking referrals from neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family can be beneficial. It can also be helpful to reach out to the NKBA, NARI, or NAHB to locate their member’s businesses in the area. Then, take the time to research companies by looking up customer reviews on Google Yelp, Facebook, and other third-party websites to check their ratings.
It can be helpful to narrow your choice of candidates to the top three to five. Prioritize your preferences and reach out, starting with your leading candidate. Please provide them with an overview of your project and any added services, including architecture or design. Now is an excellent time to request the license and insurance credentials so that you can verify them before an in-home appointment.
Questions to ask a kitchen remodeling contractor
- Will you provide an estimate or quote?
- May I have a list of references from past projects?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- What are your payment expectations?
- Are you and your employees certified in remodeling, or have you had special training and education in remodeling a kitchen?
Choosing the proper kitchen remodeling contractor requires soliciting bids from the contractors that have passed your initial screening. It is important to receive accurate quotes from multiple contractors for the same work. Provide the contractors with the same information, give them as many details as possible about specific materials brands or choices you have made to include in your kitchen, and be sure to include the following:
- Timeline
- Budget
- Acceptable working hours
- Kitchen design
- Placement of electrical components
- Cabinet types
- Countertop and flooring Brands and materials
When the proposals start rolling in, review the documents carefully for professionalism and the content. The bids you receive should be detailed and well-defined and should include:
- Scope of work
- Site plan
- Pricing
- Schedule of construction tasks
- Express limited warranty
- Change order clause
- Waiver of lien
- Dispute resolution clause
Finding a contractor can take time and effort, but researching will help secure the best home remodeling contractor in Orlando to fit your needs.