Did you know that more than 80% of all the houses in the United States are more than 20 years old, requiring remodeling? A common room that requires significant updates to meet modern needs is the kitchen.
While some people may decide to do it alone, hiring a qualified contractor is best.
Hiring the best kitchen renovation contractor is essential for achieving your desired results. Keep reading to learn more about how to find the most suitable option.
1. Ask for Referrals
One of the best ways to find reliable contractors is by asking your family and friends. This way, you’ll be able to get their honest reviews, and most times, you can see the work in person. If your family and friends don’t have any good referrals, you can always check online for contractors with good reviews on kitchen renovations.
Once you have made a list of potential kitchen remodeling contractors, you can start eliminating them until you find the right one. Make sure to hire locally since the contractor will know the local codes required in your area.
They should display their work on their professional websites and Facebook pages and get good ratings.
2. Check for Credentials
Only hire licensed and insured contractors to work on your small kitchen renovations. Your kitchen renovation contractor should have a license granted by the state. This isn’t the same as municipal or county business licenses.
Ask your contractor for their certificate of insurance and license number. If your contractor is a member of an active professional association, this is also a good sign.
For the insurance policy, ensure the coverage is up-to-date since everything doesn’t always go as planned during kitchen renovations. In case of property damage or any injuries, the contractor should have insurance to cover the damages. This insurance also protects you from any lawsuit if someone gets injured on your property.
3. Consider Experience
The type and design of your remodeling project play an important role in selecting a contractor. Although getting an experienced contractor in a wide range of remodeling projects is convenient, hire a specialist if you’re solely focusing on kitchen renovations. It’s also vital to consider the number of projects they have done and how long they’ve been in business.
Ideally, your contractor should showcase innovative, cutting-edge designs and timeless projects completed to the best quality standards. Choose a contractor who is familiar with the techniques and construction of the desired style of your small kitchen renovation.
4. Carry Out Several Interviews
Most times, it’s tempting to sign a contract immediately with the first contractor or company that checks all the boxes. But always resist the urge. You may find an offer that fits the bill even better.
Always inform potential contractors that you are receiving several other quotes. If they know you have plenty of options, the contractors may offer you a more reasonable quote for the project.
Kitchen renovation is a big project, and you must ensure that you are hiring the best contractor. During the interview process, discuss the following:
- Project
- Kitchen renovation costs
- Timelines
- Probable setbacks
The interview process is also the best time to discuss the design and materials. Make sure your contractor has a variety of quality products to select from and is up to date with current trends.
5. Staying Local
It’s always best to only work with established local remodeling companies or contractors. A recognized local firm is much more invested in offering you the best quality work.
Staying local will allow their business to grow well in the community. Similarly, local experts know of all the permits required and building codes in your county or city, which can change annually.
It’s routine and wise to interview at least four contractors for your project before you decide on the one to pick. This will help you know the contractors and understand their organization, work ethic, and professionalism. Ask as many questions as you need since it’s better to be thorough now rather than sorry later.
6. Check Their Showroom
Professional renovation companies should do everything possible to make you feel at ease while offering you resources to aid in the many decisions of a kitchen renovation. Having a clean, well-ordered showroom serves several purposes for homeowners.
The showroom is excellent for viewing the materials and finish of the potential project before the first hammer is even used. This is also a great opportunity to know how helpful and friendly their staff is.
Since several kitchen renovations take months to complete, you certainly want to be around fully committed specialists.
No matter the type or design of your small kitchen renovations, the contractor or company should be able to bring the homeowners in and show them what they offer. This includes:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Stains
- Lighting
- Glazed tile
- Plumbing fixtures
- Paint
- Lighting fixtures
7. Visit Finished Kitchen Projects
After you have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 contractors on your list, it’s time to see their work. Select kitchens comparable to your project’s design and scope and finished within the last two years.
During the visitation, check if the work was excellent and ask the owners if their kitchen needs repairs and servicing. Some red flags to look out for are substandard materials, crooked tile work, and poor lighting.
Start Your Kitchen Renovation Today
A kitchen renovation can rapidly become very overwhelming for most homeowners. That’s why getting a qualified professional contractor for the project is necessary.
Since the kitchen is the heart of any home, it is an essential investment in your home. Contact us today to learn how to revamp your kitchen regardless of size.