A kitchen remodeling project can add a great deal of value to your home and improve your quality of life, but only if it’s done right. The most important decision: hire a kitchen remodeling contractor who’s reliable and competent. Below are some of the steps to ensure that you hire a good contractor and end up with a successful project.
Determine Your Remodeling Budget: The first step, figure out what you want to change about your kitchen and what you want to keep. What is your vision for a newly remodeled kitchen? How do you want to use it? What parts of the kitchen do you want to spend more money on and which parts are less important to you? Do your research and discover what materials cost. Determine what is feasible and how much you can afford to spend.
Get Remodeling Contractor Recommendations: Get recommendations from your friends and check with professional societies such as the Better Business Bureau and the Contractors’ State License Board. Other professionals can also supply referrals. Only consider reputable, licensed contractors with a proven track record.
Interview Prospective Contractors: Interview potential contractors on the phone. Ask them about similar projects and get a sense of their availability. Hire a company that can complete your project on time. Ask for their ideas, too. Get a sense of how busy the contractor is and when he or she can schedule your job. It’s also important that you feel comfortable with the contractor. After all, you will see a lot of them during the project.
Collect Written Estimates: Once you settle on a few contractors, get a written estimate. You don’t necessarily want to go with the lowest bid. Make sure that you include other factors such as reliability and quality of work when making your decision. The estimate should include the following:
• A detailed description of the work.
• Specifications for materials.
• Timeline for completion of the work.
• A price (as of prior to the start of the job).
• The contractor’s guarantee.
Check Those References: Check references. Ask references if the contractor completed the job on time and on budget. Find out if the workers were reliable and whether the contractor was easy to work with. Would they use this contractor again? See if the contractor has a current work site that you can visit. Check with the Better Business Bureau to investigate previous complaints and resolutions.
Read Every Line in the Contract: The contract should describe:
• Every step of the project and the contractor’s exact responsibilities.
• The payment schedule.
• Proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
• Estimated start and completion dates.
• Permitting requirements.
• How change orders are handled.
• Specifications for materials.
And lastly, but most importantly, start your project with excitement and finish the project with enjoyment! Happy Remodeling!
As a Design+Build General Contractor, I offer my clients a one-stop shopping approach to all of their home remodeling projects. I work with my clients from initial conception of a project through its completion. Every aspect of the job is managed by me and my professional crew. You will be included in every step of the design process until the final drawings are completed. No detail is left to chance. General Contractor Specializing in Kitchen & Bathroom Design and Remodeling Throughout the Los Angeles area.
Written By:
Offer Steuer
President
OTM Designs & Remodeling, Inc.
For more information you may contact us via email at service@otm1designs.com or you may call us at 888-981-1415. Our website is www.otm1designs.com.