Choosing the right kitchen contractor for your project can be a stressful experience, but if you can avoid the mistakes listed in this article, then you’ll be on your way to a stress-free kitchen remodel. We have worked with countless clients who’ve told us their own stories, including experiences with other kitchen remodels, and we’ve compiled our extensive knowledge and experience to deliver a comprehensive list of common mistakes people make when picking a kitchen contractor.
1. Not Asking Questions
One of the biggest – yet most common – mistakes made when choosing a kitchen contractor is simply failing to ask questions. No two kitchen contractors are alike. They will all have different backgrounds, experiences, specializations, and portfolios. To ensure that your kitchen contractor sees your project vision and is truly the best candidate for the job, you will need to ask questions. For instance, when you outline your project to a potential kitchen contractor, be sure that they completely understand the specifications of your kitchen remodel. Ask about specializations and be sure that these skills align with the scope of your kitchen remodel. Asking questions about the contractor’s general work history ensures that you are getting a kitchen contractor that suits your needs.
2. Not Checking References
Another common mistake: failure to check references. Kitchen contractors will generally be willing to offer a list of references, yet many clients forgo the step of verifying those references. This is such a crucial step in screening kitchen contractors because it truly offers a transparent look at the quality of work and professionalism you can expect from a prospective kitchen contractor. When checking references, ask previous clients if their project was completed on time and within budget. In addition, ask if the kitchen contractor was easy to communicate with and quick to reply to questions and concerns. Don’t forget one of the most important questions: “Would you recommend this kitchen contractor to others?”
3. Not Checking Qualifications
References and qualifications are not the same. It’s quite possible for a contractor to have references that check out alright but little professional credentials and qualifications. A professional kitchen contractor will have industry related qualifications and credentials. These credentials are important because they show that the contractor is a professional and committed to delivering the height of industry standards. If you are looking for professional craftsmanship, then you won’t want to skip this step. In addition, depending on your location, kitchen contractors could be required to hold a license, so be sure to check for this, as well.
4. Not Using a Contractor Who’s Bonded and/or Insured
When seeking out a kitchen contractor, one of the biggest mistakes one can make is to forgo checking to see if a contractor is bonded or insurance. When working with a contractor, perhaps your best protection is bond and insurance. Bonding and insurance are not the same. From the perspective of the kitchen contractor, the best forms of risk management come in the forms of bond and insurance, and you’ll find that the best kitchen contractors will hold both. This ensures that if something goes wrong during the project, you are covered. This also helps assure that the job will actually get done. You’ve heard horror stories about contractors who left jobs undone, but your odds are much, much better when you choose a kitchen contractor who is both bonded and insured.
5. Not Getting a Written Proposal
Even in the screening phase of your search for the right kitchen contractor, you’ll want to be sure that you are getting written proposals from each contractor. A written proposal is important because it clearly outlines the scope and details of your project, including areas such as estimated turnaround time, cost, and payment schedule. A written proposal is also important to lock in a price quote you’ve received, as well as all of the work to be covered within your kitchen remodel. When choosing a kitchen contractor, be sure to always get a written proposal!
As you are searching for a kitchen contractor, be sure to do a thorough screening that avoids these five mistakes. This will help you narrow down your search and find the right kitchen contractor for your project. Contact our team today for a no-obligation quote for your kitchen remodel!
