Today, you can find DIY information for almost any job. However, getting down to “do it yourself” is not as easy as it seems. Some jobs can be done by almost anyone, but most home improvement jobs require the trained hands of professionals who know their job.
Take for example, your kitchen. There is no better way to increase the value of your home than to change your kitchen. Your kitchen should have aesthetic as well as functional value, so it can be the focal point of your home. However, kitchen remodeling is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires skilled hands that are tough and precise. In fact, you can hardly find an area that you do not need the help of kitchen remodeling contractors.
The truth is that every room in your home is a complex combination of many functions, and each function needs its own specialist contractor. You may need to work with separate home improvement contractors for design, architecture, remodeling, plumbing, painting, roofing and electrical wiring and fixtures. You may want to hire a general contractor who will be in charge of hiring subcontractors to do these jobs along with arranging for building permits and overseeing the entire project.
There are certain things to keep in mind while choosing home improvement contractors. In this article, we will give you some guidelines on the choice of kitchen remodeling contractors. These guidelines usually apply to all home improvement contractors.
How kitchen remodeling contractors can help
Kitchen remodeling contractors will help you prevent costly mistakes. You may make many mistakes as you may not be able to anticipate problems in advance. Small mistakes on your part can bother you for a long time. Contractors know in advance what will work and what won’t so that your kitchen cabinets, countertops and floors are strong and presentable.
Kitchen remodeling contractors understand material quality, pricing, design and the the latest trends. They can therefore work closely with you to customize your kitchen according to your needs, without losing sight of the latest trends.
Most DIY projects start to fall apart within a few years. Work done by a professional will last for a long time.
Kitchen remodeling contractors can convert your uninformed ideas into satisfying professional designs by removing the flaws you would otherwise have made.
If your remodeling plan involves renovating old cabinets and kitchen furniture to save money, a kitchen remodeling contractor is the best person to carry out the repainting, re-staining and replacements.
A kitchen contractor has enough experience to tell from the other side which color would be better for your kitchen and how to improve the lighting and ventilation conditions of your kitchen.
Being adept at kitchen remodeling, contractors can it does the job much fasteras they are equipped with the right tools and are trained to use them efficiently.
How to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor
Hiring a proficient contractor takes more than looking for ads in your local newspaper, or yellow pages. These ads do not tell you anything about the experience and work history of the contractors. Here are some tips on renting:
1. Get estimates from as many contractors as possible. A professional kitchen contractor will first discuss the type of work to be done, inspect your home and then give you a free written quote.
2. Think twice before choosing the lowest quote, so you don’t end up with sub-standard materials and a requirement to redo your kitchen in a few years. Professional work lasts for years to come.
3. Choose a contractor who has a strong record of at least five years in the field. Check with your local department of consumer protection and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the contractor. Also check if the contractor is registered in your state and licensed to work in your locality. Find out about these requirements from your consumer protection department.
4. Find out if any permission is required for your type of project, as many states require you to obtain permits for small projects as well. Ask your contractor to obtain the necessary permits. Contractors who go back and tell you to get your own permit may not be licensed to work in your state or locality.
5. A contractor who listens is ideal because a good listener will redo the kitchen to your satisfaction and affordability.
6. Ask for sample pictures of similar projects done by contractors. Check for a website. Ask too customer references so you can check with them about the contractor’s reliability.
7. There are many associations for home improvement contractors. Find out if the contractor is part of any such prestigious association. Being affiliated with such an association can be a sign of trustworthiness.
8. Your contractor must show you a copy of the minimum liability insurance which covers bodily injury and property damage as required by state law. If this coverage is not obtained, any liability will be your responsibility.
The contract
Always read the entire contract to see if it meets the requirements of your local building department. Also check that the the following clauses are clearly stated there:
- Estimated start and completion dates.
- It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain all necessary permits.
- The exact cost of the project and the payment schedule stating whether any advance payment is required, and at what stages the balance payments are to be made.
- The contractor’s responsibilities which include debris removal and guarantees.
- Warranty on workmanship and materials offered including full contact details of each entity (manufacturer, distributor, contractor) involved and the warranty period each entity provides.
- Your rescission rights to cancel the contract within three business days as permitted by the Federal Trade Commission.
- Rules for handling change orders, which allow changes to the original contract at a later stage, and how it will affect the schedule and cost of the project.
- A comprehensive list of all raw materials and products to be used and their specifications including size, color and brand name (if applicable).
Payments
See that you do not make large advance payments. A professional kitchen contractor will ask for a small percentage as an advance and accept the balance upon completion of the project.
Some contracts specify a payment schedule whereby you make payments upon completion of each stage. This ensures that the contractor works to your satisfaction.
Check for the following before making the final payment:
- All work (including polishing, sealing, varnishing) is to your satisfaction.
- All materials are as per contract standards.
- Proof that all entities involved (suppliers, distributors, subcontractors) have been paid by the contractor in order to avoid any lien on your property placed by the supplier or contractor.
- All debris has been cleared.
If you face any problem after full and final payment, ask your contractor to visit your home, inspect it and solve it. On non-compliance or unsatisfactory action on the part of your contractor you can contact the consumer protection cell, Builders Association or Council of Remodelers of your locality or state . You can also approach the Better Business Bureau or your local dispute resolution body. If your local newspaper has a consumer protection service, they will publish your story and initiate the necessary redressal action.
Where to find kitchen remodeling contractors
It is our pleasure to partner with HomeAdvisor – the largest marketplace connecting homeowners with prescreened service professionals. Please click on the link below to describe your project and find the best kitchen remodeling contractors in your area. It’s quick, easy and most importantly FREE.
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