8 Questions to Ask a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

It’s likely you already have a lot of questions for your kitchen remodeling contractor. But are you asking the right questions? When it comes to your custom kitchen remodeling project, the right questions can be crucial when you’re considering potential kitchen contractors.

You don’t want surprises when you’re remodeling an essential room in your house. We’ve compiled the top eight questions you need to ask your custom kitchen remodeling contractor before signing a contract.

1. How Long Have You Been in the Home Building and Remodeling Business?

Everyone has to start somewhere, but you want to make sure the contractor you’re hiring has the right experience, quality products, and an established reputation. No one wants to find out they’re working with a fly-by-night business in the middle of custom cabinetry being installed on one of the most important rooms in their house.

2. Is Your Company Licensed and Insured?

A fully licensed and bonded building contractor is your insurance should the company perform shoddy work or, worse, never complete the project. If something terrible happens, you’re covered. In addition, liability insurance will protect their workers if they get injured on the job and anyone else who may get hurt. Otherwise, your homeowner’s insurance premium would be at risk.

3. What Experience Do You Have with This Type of Remodeling Project?

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’re going to want a contractor that has kitchen experience. It’s as simple as that. A contractor with deep experience with a kitchen remodel won’t be surprised by unforeseen challenges because the challenges won’t be unexpected.

4. Can I Use My Kitchen during My Renovation?

Not everyone can swing a vacation at the same time their space undergoes renovation. Your contractor should help you create a kitchen remodeling plan to help you live through the entire process. There will be certain days water will be disconnected, and you can’t use your sink, as well as temporary electricity or gas disconnections. The top contractor recommendation is to create a temporary kitchen in another room to minimize stress and uncertainty.

5. Will There Be a Written and Signed Contract?

The answer to this question should be a resounding yes. A fixed-price contract ensures your total cost doesn’t change, regardless of unforeseen problems or uncertainties like faulty materials. A contract forces the contractor to detail all the costs and specs of your kitchen design, including finishes, appliances, and clean-up costs.

6. How Long Will the Remodeling Project Take?

The answer to this question will vary based on the size and complexity of your project. In most cases, the entire project, from creating designs and selecting finishings to the final, completed room, will take about six weeks. The more complex your project is, the longer it will take to finish.

The contractor can give you a construction schedule to detail what happens each day, week, or month. Follow-up questions can ensure they’ve considered possible setbacks and make you feel comfortable. For example, how do you handle delays in the schedule and inspect for structural issues before creating a timeframe?

7. How Will We Communicate During the Remodeling Project?

Typically, the first few meetings to kick off your project are conducted in person. Your kitchen contractor can complete the initial consultation over the phone or via an online meeting. However, it can be helpful to visit their showroom, if the contractor has one, or a digital portfolio to get an idea of all available designs and options.

Next, professional kitchen designers will want to see your space, take measurements, and consider incorporating various design elements. After that, most of the additional communications, including estimates and design decisions, can be done via email or phone. Your contractor should always be accessible should you have further questions.

8. Can You Provide a List of References?

When you ask for references, they should be recent and local. This way, you can talk with current customers about kitchen designs similar to your interests. References from the early 2000s will not offer the same value to you as more recent references.

Getting an Experienced Kitchen Contractor

From the first meeting to project completion, the entire kitchen remodeling process should be a stress-free, enjoyable, and rewarding experience. Knowing the right questions to ask custom kitchen contractors is the first step in that process.

Get an experienced kitchen contractor to handle every detail of your project and request a personal consultation with the designers at RM Kitchens today. From design to build and install, we’re ready to make your dream kitchen a reality.