A kitchen renovation project is a massive undertaking that often requires a professional kitchen remodeler. Some homeowners can complete some DIY projects when renovating a kitchen, such as replacing cabinets and countertops. Still, you'll want to hire a professional contractor to get high-quality results.
Not every contractor brings the same level of skills and experience. Reading online reviews is an excellent starting point for finding a contractor, but you'll also want to ask them specific questions.
Let’s explore the five questions to ask a potential contractor.
What Harm Can Happen?
Before posing the five questions, consider the inconveniences that can occur if you don't pick the right contractor. Common issues homeowners encounter with kitchen contractors include:
- Miscommunication
- Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor
- Work taking too long
- The final price exceeds the initial estimate
- Rushed or poor-quality work
Question #1: How Much Experience Do You Have?
Start by asking a potential contractor how much experience is under their belt. While having a certain amount of experience is not the only factor to consider, it can speak volumes about the person you're hiring.
More experience typically translates into higher-quality work. More experience also means the contractor has satisfied customers keeping them in business.
Question #2: What Are Your Qualifications?
Renovating a kitchen takes a lot of work, even when updating or replacing kitchen cabinetry. A licensed, insured, and bonded kitchen remodeler is more capable of tackling that job. An insured contractor also means you don’t pay damages if your property sustains harm during kitchen remodeling.
Mistakes happen, and something like a broken faucet can impact an otherwise pristine kitchen renovation. The right insurance policy held by a contractor means you receive compensation or repairs should damage happen.
Question #3: How Long Will the Project Take?
Some projects take longer than others and a full kitchen renovation can take up to 3 - 5 months to complete.. You’ll want a contractor to provide a realistic timeline instead of overpromising their completion date or rushing work.
Ask follow-up questions like:
- How do you handle potential delays?
- Are you performing or bidding on other projects that could affect the timeline?
- How are you determining this estimated timeline?
Question #4: Will I Be Able to Use My Kitchen During the Process?
Whether replacing your kitchen cabinetry and countertops or undergoing a gut renovation, your renovation project will impact how and when you can use your kitchen.
Most homeowners will still need to use their kitchens during this process. Ensure your contractor has a plan to facilitate your use of this space.
Question #5: Who Will Be My Primary Contact?
Lastly, you'll need to know whom you should talk to during the project. The point person is usually the contractor, but it might also be the business owner or project manager depending on the size of the company.
Get an Expert Kitchen Remodel Today
When hiring a contractor for your kitchen remodeling project, you must consider many factors. The Reliance Cabinetry team makes the hiring process a breeze. You can trust that your kitchen is in the most capable hands with our experienced contractors.
Residents in Richmond Hill, and Savannah GA can discover the differences between remodeling and renovating a kitchen by calling (912) 344-6500!