Finding the best contractor for a kitchen project entails making use of standards and qualifications. To help you do so, you can ask for referrals from close family and friends, choose only licensed contractors, look into reviews and feedback, go the extra mile and visit projects within your neighborhood, solicit as many estimates you can handle, try looking for contractors during holiday seasons, and observe the way contractors handle your queries.
With so many contractors competing in the market today, you need to narrow down your choices and find one that is reliable and that best suits your needs and your standards. Here are some practical tips that will help you find the best contractor for your kitchen project:
Ask for referrals from close family and friends
Experience is always the best way to deliberate projects. Ask referrals from close family, relatives, and friends who have experience with kitchen remodeling contractors. Inquire about the quality of work done, as well as adherence to a time frame and to the specific instructions set by the homeowner. Note important details, such as the contractor’s name, address, contact details, and website.
Choose only licensed contractors
Licensed contractors are, of course, more reliable and professional with their work. Do not forget to check with your state department if a kitchen remodeling contractor is licensed or not. This is especially helpful when searching for contractors in your area over the Internet.
Look into reviews and feedback
Do not just depend on testimonies you can find at a certain contractor’s website. Most of these testimonies are just fabricated. To be sure of the contractor’s reliability, look for further feedback and reviews over the Internet and from your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). This can also be helpful when considering the different contractors recommended by your family and friends.
Go the extra mile and visit projects within your neighborhood
If you have some extra time, why not drive around your neighborhood and look for some new homes or apparent kitchen projects. Do not be ashamed to approach homeowners who happen to be outside their houses and inquire about their kitchen contractor. Always remember to introduce yourself and tell the people you meet where you live and about your upcoming plans to remodel your kitchen.
Solicit as many estimates you can handle
Although it is not convenient for you to handle too many prospective kitchen contractors, you can ask for estimates from as many contractors as you want, considering they are all reliable. Never limit yourself to only two or three contractors when others that are equally qualified can be considered. However, do not waste your time with contractors that are not on your list after you have checked on their performance and after you have read or investigate their reviews.
Try looking for contractors during holiday seasons
Holiday seasons are said to be lean seasons for contractors. During these times, homeowners may have other expenses to attend to, which are prioritized over other renovations and remodeling. Use this opportunity to get the good and in-demand contractors in your area instead of rushing the project and relying on second-best contractors.
Observe the way contractors handle your queries
When remodeling is ongoing, you should expect more interaction between you and your contractor. While asking for estimates and queries, do not forget to observe the way these contractors handle your concerns, as it will probably be the way they will attend to your needs during the duration of your project. Always look for signs of an accommodating attitude and a contractor that carefully explains matters to you.
For your protection, once you have chosen a reliable kitchen contractor, do not forget to put everything in writing and make things clear from the very beginning up to the end of the project. Once you do this and all the other tips mentioned, you are on the way to less stressful and more satisfying kitchen project.
I'm a former 7th grade Science teacher turned stay-at-home mom that lives in Houston, Texas. I am married to my college sweetheart and have a beautiful daughter named Riley, who definitely keeps me on my toes! I am also involved in starting a small business which would both manufacture and sell an invention that I've patented, called Toothpaste 2 Go. I love interacting with my readers and hope to learn as much about you as you learn about me!
Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley!
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