Are you ready to begin remodeling your kitchen but need to hire a contractor to perform the work? There are several things you need to know and consider before selecting a qualified contractor who is a perfect match for you and your project. Below are 5 things to know and consider before hiring a contractor to remodel your kitchen.
1. Choose a General Contractor
A general contractor manages the entire project, such as design, acquiring building permits, hiring subcontractors and ensuring everything is completed in a timely and quality manner.
2. Research
Do you have any friends, neighbors or coworkers that have recently remodeled? Start by asking them for recommendations or contact me for advice and recommendations. After receiving recommendations, review information about the contractors online. Here are things to consider when searching online:
Look at the company’s reviews on various sites to see what other parties are saying about the contractor, their work and if they finish on time.
- Have they been around long? Established companies that have worked in an area for years generally hold good records and that is why they have remained in business for a substantial amount of time.
- Are they licensed and insured?
Review examples of their prior work to see if it fits your style
3. Get Estimates
After you have done some research, pick a few contractors and ask for estimates. While it might be tempting to automatically choose the lowest bidder, review each estimate to make sure you are comparing apples to apples and each company is quoting the same items while making sure nothing is missing.
4. Follow Up with Questions
Once you have gotten your estimates, ask the contractors some follow up questions to help you understand and evaluate the renovation process.
How many kitchen renovations have they done?
- Will they need a permit? Are they familiar with how to obtain a permit and what process is involved?
- Do they have insurance? Full insurance that covers liability and worker’s compensation is a must.
- Do they have a team to perform the renovation or will they be hiring subcontractors?
- Who will be responsible for inspections and approvals?
- What is the estimated time the remodel will take?
- Do they require a deposit?
5. Ask for a Written Contract
The last and final thing you need is a written contract. Ensure that the contract has all the details of the renovation such as the contractor’s name and license(s), start and completion dates, list of materials, warranty/maintenance information, etc. Read the contract carefully before signing.
Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting process but can be stressful. With a little effort and upfront work on your part, you can take a lot of the stress out of the process.
Brooke Boles
Coldwell Banker Realty
501 E Camino Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
561.595.4473
Brooke.Boles@CBREalty.com
www.BrookeSellsBoca.com
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