Did you know that nearly half of all money spent on home improvements goes toward fixing what previous contractors messed up? Yep, according to a Harvard Joint Study on Housing, it’s a whopping 46%. Plus, the U.S. Department of Commerce says that over 96% of contractors don’t even make it to their 10th year in business. Yikes!
So, finding the right kitchen remodeler who knows their stuff and will treat you and your home with respect is of the utmost importance. But how do you make sure you’re picking the right one for the job?
After 46 years of fixing botched kitchen remodels, JSB Home Solutions is all about helping you avoid becoming another remodeling horror story. We’ve had homeowners come to us, sharing tear-filled stories about past remodels, and it’s heartbreaking to see our industry represented this way. There are great kitchen contractors out there, and in this article, you'll learn how to find them. You will have confidence in who you choose to remodel your kitchen, even if you don't work with JSB.
Here are 10 steps to make sure you don’t end up with a jack-of-all-trades (and master of none), shady business practices, broken promises, or just plain bad work during your kitchen remodel.
Step 1: Interview a Handful of Contractors
To really get a feel for what your kitchen remodel could look like, talk to a few different contractors and get some quotes. While you’re chatting, ask about how they handle kitchen renovations, the types of projects they’ve worked on, if they’re licensed and insured (more on this later), and what warranties they offer.
It’s also a good idea to ask what kind of issues they usually run into with kitchen remodels and how they deal with them. Even though you’re hoping everything goes smoothly, it’s good to know they can handle any hiccups.
And trust your gut! If you don’t feel like you’re being heard or if a contractor is pressuring you into making a decision, it might be time cross them off the list. Even if your project is small, you want a contractor you can trust to put you first. You can also check the Better Business Bureau to see how they stack up in terms of ethics and customer satisfaction.
Step 2: Review Their Past Work
When you’re talking to contractors, ask to see some of their previous projects. This gives you a sneak peek into the kind of designs and quality they deliver. Follow up by asking which parts of the kitchen they were responsible for and what was already in place.
Besides looking at photos, check out online reviews from their clients. Google reviews are a good place to start. This way, you can make sure what the contractor says matches up with what their customers have experienced. It’s always better to hear it straight from the people who’ve worked with them.
Step 3: Get Your Estimates in Writing
Your budget will play a big role in what your kitchen remodel looks like. So, when you’re discussing the project with contractors, make sure to ask for a written estimate instead of just a verbal one. Having it in writing gives you a clear breakdown of what’s involved and helps set the foundation for the project.
A written quote should include:
- Comprehensive materials list including sizes, colors, and styles so your selections are well documented.
- All additional fees such as taxes or financing fees so the numbers you see are the price when all is said and done.
- A description of the payment terms, if you are not financing the project.
- What work, if any, will be completed by subcontractors.
- What materials, if any, are the responsibility of the homeowner to provide. You will also want to make sure you know when your installers will need this material so that this doesn't delay your project, although this probably won't be in the contract itself. It's just good communication between you and your hired company.
Step 4: Discuss Scheduling Matters
Let your contractor know if there are any specific timelines you’re working with. Maybe you’re expecting a baby in a few months or planning to host the holidays and need the kitchen done by a certain date.
Most companies will give you a lead time, which is the wait between signing the contract and the start of construction. There’s a lot that has to happen before work begins, like finalizing selections, taking measurements, and ordering materials.
Setting realistic expectations for your kitchen remodel timeline can save you from getting frustrated once the work starts.
Step 5: Ask About Subcontractors
Sometimes, contractors hire subcontractors (subs) to do specific tasks or even the whole remodel. But subs can bring their own set of challenges if not managed well.
Ask your contractor whether they use their own crew or bring in subcontractors. If they do use subs, find out how they plan to minimize common problems with subcontractors.
Step 6: Explore Material Choices
If you’re on a tight budget, ask if you can reuse any existing materials in your kitchen. Some things might still be in good shape and could work in your new design.
Also, ask about what materials will give you the best bang for your buck. For example, laminate kitchen counters might be a cheaper option, granite or quartz countertops will last longer and be more desirable if you’re planning to sell your home.
Step 7: Think About Daily Life
Consider how the remodel will impact your daily routine. How will not having access to your kitchen affect your daily life? Is it summertime so you can easily grill out for dinner until your kitchen is completed? Or will you have to order take out for the duration of your project?
Ask your contractor about their daily schedule—when the crew will arrive and when they’ll wrap up for the day. You may want to make sure your car is moved so it doesn't get blocked in or be done with breakfast before they arrive to keep your routine as normal as possible.
Step 8: Check Industry Credentials, Licensing, and Insurance
Make sure your contractor is licensed and that their technicians are manufacturer-certified. If your project requires specific skills, ensure the company has the expertise needed to get the job done right.
Ask about their liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect yourself and your home. You want to work with a company that keeps you covered from any risks during the remodel.
Step 9: Choose the Contractor Who Suits You and Your Needs
Take your time choosing the right contractor. Don’t just focus on price—think about how they made you feel during your initial conversations. Were they respectful? Did they answer your questions thoroughly? How quickly did they get back to you?
Step 10: Sign a Contract
Before any work starts, make sure you’ve got a signed contract in place. Go over it carefully to ensure it includes everything you discussed and agreed upon. Double-check the pricing, payment schedule, your address, start and end dates, and any discounts or coupons. Both you and the contractor should sign the contract before the work begins.
How Can I Choose the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor?
Finding a contractor who will treat your kitchen like it’s their own and treat you like family can be tough, especially with all the bad stories you hear. But don’t worry—there are good companies out there. We’ve put together a list of the best kitchen remodelers in Columbus, OH, to help you get started on the right foot.
You can also download our Remodeling Company Comparison Guide. This guide has all the key questions to ask any contractor, with space to jot down their answers. With this in hand, you’ll be ready to pick the perfect contractor for your project.
Once you’ve found the right bathroom remodeler, you can actually enjoy the remodeling process. Your excitement will grow with every step as you get closer to achieving that “Job Completed” feeling!
