You finally decided to renovate that kitchen of yours after many years of services! Cook both your favorite meals and then, those that are not too shabby for yourself and your family. Trust us, they won’t complain regardless of the taste. You are the man in this scenario.
Your kitchen is your woman cave (so to speak). It’s where your kids socialize too and it’s the place that leads to goodbye kisses from your partner. At least, if you are there cook something.
Therefore, it is absolutely normal to want a change in appearance and perhaps even in the equipment in the kitchen. But then that annoying question pops up, “Who do you choose?”. Let’s be honest with you, it’s actually not that simple to choose the ideal contractor for the job. But at the same time, it is not impossible. We are examples of this as we have some pro tips for you!
By using them, we will help to avoid mistakes that could lead to replacing your favorite gadgets such as the cooker or microwave. Spending years with them would lead to many beautiful memories involving cooking dishes worthy of a 5-star luxury hotel. So, simply put, these are tips you’ll love!
Credentials are super important
It will definitely give you peace of mind that the contractor you are talking to comes with the complete package. We are talking state licenses and designations from related (culinary) professional associations. You just need to see if he or she has enough skill to do what you want. This is where you need to ask for his or her permits (updated inspection permit for example) as well.
And then the evidence
After the above, ask for some evidence. Talk to the contractor about pictures of past projects and even trips to those projects if the other clients are willing and you’re down for the trip. Note their reactions when you also ask for the contacts of their old clients. Anything else that comes to mind, just ask them. Of course, be sure to keep notice of his or his crew’s appearance in pictures.
Hints; Make sure that the projects that the clients mention, is the same as what the contractor mentioned and ask for their thoughts. You will be able to adjust yourself as necessary to the contractor’s methods/behavior this way.
Meet with more than one contractor
Of course, doing a complete overhaul of your kitchen will require a lot of cash. And this is separate if you are thinking of replacing any appliance in the kitchen. Therefore, it is practically sound, that you first go through all the credentials of multiple contractors, look at their style if it is compatible with what you want, and then ask for their prices. Reasonably cheap is what we should be looking for here, though, err on the side of caution. If you check their credentials, you should be able to navigate properly.
Take a look at what you need to do along the way
Calmly negotiate the price if possible. If not, find someone who can do it for you. You should also ask them if it is possible to pay in installments (credit or check only, never cash). They are expected to be almost too nice for you and must comply with custom orders (within reason), without additional charge.
Ask them to give you an estimate of how long the job will take. The sooner the better so you don’t incur charges or even deal with the noise for too long.
Tell him to do a full breakdown of what it will all cost you. Then compare them directly to each other. Orange for orange and nail cost for nail cost. You may be able to shell out some cash here too.
After work services
Will they clean up the mess when they’re done with your kitchen renovation or will you be the one to do it too? Ask them directly this, as some contractors may even include this in the typical package (budget friendly and all), unlike others who expect you to pay more.
You certainly don’t want to be cleaning up dust, debris, wood chips, etc.—when you could be inspecting their work and even trying out your kitchen appliances.
Jeremy, home and garden designer and lifestyle blogger at DIYerlabs.com
