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Whether the goal is to improve the functionality of your home or increase its resale value, kitchen remodeling will help. But, unless you’re a highly skilled handyman, even a minor update requires the expertise of a kitchen remodeling contractor.
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Qualifications of the kitchen renovation contractor
How to choose the right contractor to transform your home at the right price? It all comes down to their qualifications, their service offerings and the excellence of their work. Here are some tips for choosing the best contractor to renovate your kitchen.
General contractor vs specialist in kitchen renovation
When deciding on the right professional for your kitchen remodel, you have the option of hiring a general contractor with kitchen remodeling experience or hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor. To be clear, it doesn’t matter who you choose, both should be state-licensed general contractors to ensure the quality standards of their work. The differences between the two lie in their business models.
A general contractor who handles a wide variety of projects might be a good choice for your kitchen remodeling if they also have a lot of experience with kitchens. These builders will likely have more experience in adjacent projects, such as earthwork, masonry and roofing, that kitchen specialists do not have. If your project involves an addition to the home or a whole house renovation, a general contractor would be a good choice, but most general contractors should know how to renovate a kitchen.
Kitchen remodeling specialists focus on everything related to the kitchen. Many of these people also offer design services to help flesh out your vision for the new space before you build it. If your project will be limited mainly to removing an old kitchen and creating a new one, these specialists offer the expertise to build the space of your dreams.
Credits
Only work with a licensed and insured contractor. States grant contractor licenses, which are not the same as county or municipality business licenses. To obtain a contractor’s license, they must pass rigorous tests to prove their knowledge of the trades, as well as business practices and the law.
Ask the contractor for his license number and certificate of insurance (COI). Follow up to make sure they are in good standing. Contact your state’s licensing board to confirm the license status. Contact the insurer to verify that coverage is up to date.
Memberships in active professional associations add another layer of legitimacy to an entrepreneur’s resume. Most members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will promote these affiliations.
Services offered by a kitchen renovation contractor
A kitchen remodeling contractor will oversee your project from start to finish. They will handle all permits and inspections, navigate building codes, make smart decisions on methods and materials, and coordinate a team of skilled professional craftsmen. Contractors plan and coordinate the entire project, including their own employees and subcontractors. The scope of their work encompasses the entire physical project, including:
- Demolition of the old kitchen
- Restoration or repair of the existing structure to prepare for the new construction
- Construction of the new kitchen
Some contractors also offer architectural or design services. These services add a level of convenience for customers who need more than just removal and replacement. If you have some great kitchen remodeling ideas that you would like your contractor to help bring to life, such a service would be a great idea. Architects specialize in planning structural changes while designers improve functionality and aesthetics.
How to Hire a Kitchen Renovation Contractor
Begin your research by putting together a list of entrepreneurs. Ask your personal network of neighbors, friends, family and co-workers to recommend referrals. Also contact NKBA, NARI or NAHB to find member businesses in your area.
From there, you can further research these companies by researching customer reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and other third-party websites, and checking their ratings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reduce your pool of applicants to the top three or five. Prioritize your shortlist and contact starting with your best candidate. Provide an overview of the project and any additional services you will need, such as architecture or design. Ask for their license and insurance credentials so you can verify them before a home appointment.
Questions to ask a kitchen renovation contractor
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Have you or your employees been certified in renovation or have any training or special education, such as a certified renovator, certified renovator specialist, certified chief carpenter, or certified kitchen and bathroom renovator ?
- Can I have a list of references from past projects?
- Who will work on the project? Are they employees or subcontractors?
- What are your payment expectations?
- Will you provide a quote or a quote?
Choosing the right kitchen renovation contractor
Solicit offers from contractors who pass your initial selection. In order to receive accurate quotes from multiple contractors for the same job, provide each contractor with the same information. Give them as much detail as possible about specific materials, brands, or other choices you’ve already made. Include the following:
- Budget
- Kitchen design
- Types of cabinets
- Countertops and flooring brands and materials
- Placement of electrical components
- Acceptable hours of work
- Chronology
When proposals arrive, review the documents for professionalism as well as content. Offers must be detailed and well defined. They should include:
- Price
- Payment schedule
- Work’s extent
- Sitemap
- Schedule of main construction tasks
- Modification of the order clause
- List of closing procedures
- Express limited warranty
- Dispute resolution clause
- Waiver of privilege
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen?
The size of the kitchen, the style, the extent of the remodel, and your location all play into the cost of a kitchen remodel. The 2021 national average price of about $ 30,000 takes into account a 200 square foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of semi-custom cabinetry, no structural changes, minor modifications to the layout, new appliances and a 30 square foot quartz countertop.
For a bargain price of around $ 8,000, you can simply re-clad existing cabinetry, install new laminate countertops, and add two new appliances to a 100 square foot kitchen. If you want a more luxurious custom kitchen, expect to pay up to $ 150,000 or more for a 400 square foot renovation including removing walls to increase space, custom cabinetry, new appliances with matching cabinet covers, exotic stone countertops, new floors in wood and an addition of a large island.
Do Kitchen Renovation Contractors Give Free Estimates?
Some contractors offer free estimates, while others charge $ 50 to $ 500 or more, depending on the scope of the work. Many contractors who charge a fee will then apply that money to the cost of the labor if you choose to hire them.
Should we call on an architect?
For most kitchen renovations, like the “average” project mentioned above, the services of an architect would be more of a luxury than a necessity. However, if the space needs to be completely reconfigured, or if there is a major disruption to the house’s structure, the skills of an architect may be required.
What is the standard payment structure for a kitchen renovation?
Typical kitchen renovations require a 30% to 50% deposit with the remaining balance due upon completion of the job.
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