Before Your Start a Kitchen Remodel – Ask These 10 Questions
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Planning a kitchen remodel? Hiring the right kitchen remodeling contractor is one of the most important steps to ensure your project runs smoothly and stays within budget. Think about it… you will have a team of people inside of your home for weeks, or months, performing “surgery” on your home. You will get to know the crew and see them more than your own family sometimes 🙂
Whether the kitchen remodel includes new cabinetry, updating configuration/layout, installing new countertops, or doing a full kitchen overhaul, asking the right questions from the beginning can help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and ultimately ensure a quality result. Check out this article from houzz.com on “How to Hire a Contractor” for tips as well.
Before Your Start a Kitchen Remodel – Ask These 10 Questions below to ensure you are on the right track to a successful (and on budget) remodel!
Make sure your contractor holds the proper state and local licenses to perform kitchen remodeling work. Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect your home and finances. You want to be fully protected in case someone on the job site gets insured; you trip over something during the renovation and hurt yourself; or the work completed is faulty and causes injury to a guest at your home. Homeowners should ask the kitchen contractor for an updated general liability and workers compensation proof of coverage. A contractor should already have this built into the items they present before beginning the remodel at anyone’s home.
Ask to see examples of kitchen renovation projects they’ve completed. A reputable contractor will gladly share photos, videos, or connect you with past clients for references. Oftentimes photos be filtered, or appear edited more than in person. Consider asking your contractor if you can take a look at a person’s kitchen they’ve recently finished. Many satisfied homeowners will be happy to show off the craftsmanship, design, and new space! At the very least, ask your potential kitchen remodeling contractors for an online gallery to peruse.
Understanding the expected start and end dates will help you plan around the renovation. If the kitchen remodeling contractor you are speaking to has an opening immediately, that is a red flag. You want them to be “busy” enough that you aren’t next in line without a wait; BUT you don’t want to wait three years to begin the remodel! Ask about potential delays, vacations, holidays, and how they handle unexpected issues that could impact the timeline. Another consideration is ensuring all permits (see #4 below) are approved before the timeline for completion begins, so you aren’t including delays based on that.
Most kitchen remodels require building permits. A professional contractor should handle the permitting process and coordinate inspections with local building departments.
For companies like Wineteer Construction servicing two states, it’s essential to understand the permit and license requirements for your specific state, city, and county. Check out this article on specifics to consider
Request a detailed breakdown of your kitchen remodeling estimate, including materials, labor, demolition, plumbing, and electrical work. Also ask what’s not included to avoid surprise costs later.
When reviewing multiple estimates from kitchen remodeling companies in Kansas City, understand you cannot compare apples to apples. Some companies will present a lower cost and have “change orders” all along the job to increase the price. Other contractors, like Wineteer Construction, provide a transparent estimate with all of the costs upfront. Unless the resident makes changes to the project (or unexpected structural issues occur), the pricing will not change. Wineteer’s customers appreciate the transparency and understanding of exactly what they’re getting, the upfront costs, and avoiding the feeling of “nickel and dime-ing” along the way. Wineteer Construction also invested in a project management software that allows the customer to log in and view the process. You can see all of the invoices; progress pictures; material selections; and communicate with the team from this one portal. It’s pretty cool!
Many contractors, especially Kansas City kitchen remodeling companies, use a variety of subcontractors to fulfill their remodeling projects. However, not all do this. Remodeling companies like Wineteer have a dedicated team that stays on each project from beginning to end. Wineteer is a family-owned business with decades of experience between each team, and it shows. When researching your contractors, be sure to ask the following questions:
Never pay 100% upfront. Red flags are apparent with a kitchen remodeling company asks for the entire project payment before the building even begins. Many companies should have a clear, milestone-based payment schedule to ensure the work is completed before the next payment is due. Companies like Wineteer Construction have the online portal that allows you to view all invoices and itemized materials to understand exactly what and when your payments are due.
Continuing on Before Your Start a Kitchen Remodel – Ask These 10 Questions, ask how the contractor will minimize dust, protect floors, and contain the workspace. A good, and experienced, kitchen remodeler takes steps to protect your home from unnecessary damage. Here are some common ways to protect your home during the kitchen remodel:
A reliable kitchen remodeling contractor should stand behind their work with a warranty. Ask specifics on how long long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Get it all in writing.
Kitchen renovations often uncover surprises, like plumbing or electrical problems. Make sure there’s a clear process for handling change orders, including pricing and approvals. When working with a design builder, change orders and unforeseen issues have been rendered and this limits the amount of issues encountered along the way.
9 Advantages of Hiring a Design Builder for Your Home Renovation
This article, Before Your Start a Kitchen Remodel – Ask These 10 Questions, hopefully has guided you along to choose a trustworthy, experienced professional who can bring your dream kitchen to life. If you’re searching for a reliable kitchen remodeling company near you, make sure they offer transparency, detailed estimates, and excellent communication from start to finish.
Wineteer Construction specializes in high-quality kitchen remodeling services within the Kansas City and Johnson County, KS areas, including custom cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and layout design. Contact us today to discuss your remodel! https://wineteerconstruction.com/contact-us/