Choosing the Best Contractor for Your Kitchen Remodel
913-717-6325
913-717-6325
Whether you’ve been in your home for decades or just moved in, you may need to remodel the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can help to improve the overall functionality, boost property and resale value, and make your life more comfortable while making memories. However, unless you’re a skilled DIYer with so much experience with renovation work, you’ll need expert help even for minor changes.
RELATED: How to Hire a Kitchen Contractor
Although choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodel project is another big task, as so many unskilled contractors are always trying to lure people in with fake information. But worry not; in this article, we’ve gathered all the basics you’ll need to keep in mind when choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling project. Let’s get started.
Before you choose the right contractor for a kitchen remodeling project, you must know what you actually want from the project. You need to set goals, whether it needs demolition, repair, or installation, and have ideas on what amenities you want or how you want your kitchen to look to determine what kind of contractor will be best for you.
Depending on your goal, you may need to hire a kitchen remodeling specialist or any general contractor with experience in kitchen renovations. You’ll also need to set your probable kitchen renovation budget to save more time on selecting contractors or avoid unwanted problems.
Check out this gallery of kitchen remodeling projects that Wineteer has completed for many Kansas City area residents. From Olathe and Leawood to Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, the Wineteer team specializes in the design and build of the highest quality kitchen remodels.
When you want to get the right and perfect contractor for your kitchen remodeling project, you need to look for some specific attributes to compare and find the best one. The checklist of those qualities is:
If you follow these steps accordingly, you can choose the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling:
Another good way to find a trusted contractor is to get recommendations from colleagues, friends, relatives, or neighbors who have done kitchen remodeling or know a good contractor by any chance. It’ll make the research into finding the right contractor smoother. Make a list of all the contractors you’ve found intriguing.
Now it’s time to dig deeper to make a shortlist of all the candidates you’ve listed before. Check and do research on each of them to make sure they have experience, and have licenses from your local regulatory agency or licensing board. Only keep experienced contractors with credibility on the new list.
In this step, you should reach out to all the shortlisted contractors and ask for detailed quotes on your kitchen remodeling project. Some contractors only provide the final price, which can be less credible. That’s why you should ask them to provide a breakdown of materials, labor, permits, or any other fees. In this way, you’ll be able to compare the quotes and ensure quality at a fair price.
If you selected one or several potential contractors after reviewing the quotes and want to select the perfect one for the project, you need to meet with them in person to discuss the project details and ask some prepared questions. The questions you can ask them are as follows:
These are a few of the usual questions you can ask, and you can add other questions depending on the situation. Listen carefully to their answers and how fluently they’re answering you because it will provide you with significant insights on how confident and experienced they are. Also, it’ll be a great chance to see the level of comfortability in communication with them.
If all the interviewed contractors provide several references to their past projects, you need to research them thoroughly. These references and histories can help you learn more about the work style and quality of the contractors. Compare the before and after images of their projects, how much the projects cost, and, if possible, contact some of the project owners for their experiences with the contractors. Another wonderful option to evaluate a company is through Google reviews.
Once you’ve completed your final investigations and selected a contractor for the job, review the contract details carefully. There should be detailed information about completion dates, fees, permits, descriptions of products, services, and materials, payment terms, subcontractor information, consequences of failures, dispute resolution terms, etc. If you see anything missing from the contract, ask them to do it in detail before signing.
If you can choose the right contractor, you’ll be able to turn your dream into reality. If you’re in the Kansas City area, Wineteer can help you with the design and build process. Reach out today for a free estimate. 913-717-6325 or https://wineteerconstruction.com/contact-us/
We’ve all been caught in the constant scroll of “dream kitchen” posts. You know, the dreamy and gorgeous kitchens you see on Pinterest, DIY remodeling videos that make it all seem so easy, and even the before and after pictures that make your jaw drop. However, when we snap back to reality, we know that remodeling the whole kitchen can be expensive, time-consuming, and probably something you should leave to the professionals.
We want to provide some ideas for smart kitchen remodeling updates. This will allow the homeowner to maximize the resale value of your home when the real estate market is so competitive, all within your budget. Let’s get to know those ideas before you start planning for your kitchen remodeling.
Kitchen cabinets occupy most of the area of your kitchen. They can be utilized in many forms, including closed off and hidden, or without doors to showcase your minimalistic vibe. As many kitchen remodels are now optimizing open-shelving, home remodeling companies still recommend updating your kitchen cabinets during the remodel to some capacity. To upgrade the cabinets, you can recolor them to a pleasing neutral color, or even add a pop of color. The soft colors are more popular to make the space feel more warm and inviting, but the pop of color is also fun and adds personality!
Along with the color, there are different types of finishes that can change the vibe of the kitchen cabinets. You can also replace the cabinets or the handles with more beautiful ones. Many options to consider that will make a huge difference in the overall appearance of the kitchen.
If you want a luxurious look to your kitchen, then you must update the countertops to something more aesthetic. There are many options, like using marbles, quartz, or other natural stones. These countertops are easy to clean and economical, yet they provide a lavish look to your kitchen. Countertops can certainly be the center-point of your kitchen remodel, as many of the residents prepare food, serve food, or relax around the countertops. Usually, people like white stones more as they look bright and make the space feel bigger. Check out this article on the 33 Best Types of Kitchen Countertops, which provides an option, look, and feel for all budgets and home styles.
Outdated and poorly functioning appliances can make your kitchen feel out-dated, and is frankly inefficient. Among many reasons, it’s important to upgrade the kitchen appliances while remodeling to get the biggest bang for your buck. You can resell the old appliances and buy more cost-effective, eco-friendly appliances that can help you save money. You may need to spend more to upgrade those appliances at first, but in the long run, they’ll maximize the kitchen’s value. Aside from the aesthetics of new appliances, technology changes so quickly that homeowners want to have the “latest and greatest” so updating appliances is one way to stay in the game.
Flooring isn’t typically the main focus area of your kitchen, but it’s not less important when remodeling. The flooring can also be used to accent the countertops, island, or color palette. The floor used during a kitchen remodel should be durable, easy to clean, and natural looking. The flooring should be installed properly so the appliances are balanced, floor won’t squeak, and there are no uneven spots.
It’s a good cost-saving idea to upgrade your HVAC system, specifically the kitchen system, to an eco-friendly system. You can resell the old HVAC system at a good price and get an energy-efficient HVAC system. HVAC systems not only cost less than the fuel system, but they also save a lot of money while operating.
Lighting is very important for a kitchen renovation, because it will affect the colors and overall vibe. From can lighting to chandeliers, some lighting can be both functional and stylish; so it’s important to select the best option for your space. In addition, there are many lighting options to choose from on a budget, so look around before jumping into a purchase.
Many older kitchens don’t have any backsplash or sometimes have cheap contact paper that doesn’t look so good. But backsplashes can actually increase the value of your kitchen if you install a quality backsplash. A quality backsplash doesn’t have to be an extremely expensive purchase, so a kitchen remodeling project shouldn’t allocate a large portion of the budget on this. A new backsplash can make the kitchen look complete and full, and anyone visiting the kitchen will sense that the kitchen is well-maintained.
RELATED: Where to start and stop your backsplash
A kitchen island is a popular feature because it comes with so many benefits, along with upgrading the look of the whole kitchen. It’s a kind of space that brings people’s attention while making the kitchen look bigger. Though you shouldn’t add an island to a small kitchen.
However, the island can be good storage for appliances and other products. You can hide power outlets inside the island. And you can do food prep and serving on the island counter.
There is another way to maximize kitchen value while remodeling on a tight budget. You can make a multipurpose work area in the kitchen by adding a desk area where you can utilize the space for your work from home responsibilities. You can then flip it to food prep. Also, another great use of the space is having kids use the space to do their homework while their parents can cook and supervise them.
The kitchen is a space that can always use more storage. There’s never enough room for your cutlery, Tupperware, bowls, cookware, and appliances, however the goal is always to remove the clutter from your countertop. That’s why you need to make some additional storage during your kitchen remodel. Some ideas are storage under the island, blind corners, shelving, etc. These storage units can add more value to your kitchen, and tidy up the clutter.
Speaking of clutter, if you like watching DIY home improvement videos, then you must’ve seen how those people get rid of old materials by destroying them with hammers. Don’t just follow everything they do! You can certainly declutter and donate.
You can carefully remove the old cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, or any other materials and list them for resale. It will bring you some good money that you can use to improve your kitchen more without spending raw money. So, it’s a good way to maximize the kitchen renovation value on a budget.
Kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a complex job if you can plan out the renovation process and budget beforehand. Some people may advise that you can save a lot by DIYing everything. But unless you’re an expert on DIY, you shouldn’t try doing everything; otherwise, it’ll be a mess and cost you a fortune. If you’re in the Kansas City area and want to consult with a design and build company, reach out to Wineteer for a free estimate. Not all home remodeling projects fit within the DIY scope, so knowing and trusting a top kitchen remodeling company can save you money in the long run.
If you want to remodel your home, many people will suggest you hire a design-builder. One may ask… what exactly is a design-builder? According to wikipedia, it is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design–builder or design–build contractor. It can be subdivided into architect-led design–build (ALDB, sometimes known as designer-led design–build) and contractor-led design–build. A homeowner may explore the design-build contractor options and determine they are the most qualified for home renovation projects, as they will save you money over the years. So, let’s get to know more about them.
Again, when designers, builders, and other specialists work as a team under one single contract with the project client or owner to provide construction services, this method is called ‘design-build.’ In brief, in a design-build project, there is only one contract, one organization, and one coordinated flow of work. Wineteer is continually reminded by our clients how important their seamless process is for a stress-free home remodel. With Wineteer, you will have a dedicated team of professionals that will walk you along each step of the remodel. This isn’t always the case with home remodeling companies, so be sure you ask questions and understand the contractual and design/build side.
There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a design-builder for your bathroom, kitchen, whole home, and aging in place remodeling project. Here are the main reasons:
In traditional remodeling projects, homeowners dealt with designers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, retailers, workers, and other people depending on the home remodeling scope of work. This makes the work slow, adds additional stress, causes budgeting nightmares if not monitored correctly, increases disruptions to daily life, and has more chances for miscommunication.
But when you hire a design-builder for the project, the company combines all of the activities under a single umbrella, and thus the homeowners will work with the same team from the first meeting to the completion of the project. As Wineteer explains it… once you partner with us, you will become family. The homeowner will see the same crew each day during the remodeling project. In this way, everyone will function more effectively, and challenging problems can be handled more efficiently.
RELATED: The benefits of hiring a design-build contractor for your home remodel
If you don’t hire a design-builder, you will naturally spend extra because of inaccurate or unanticipated problems, or change orders as they arise. However, a design-builder can give you an accurate cost-analysis before starting the work and prevent unexpected expenditures during or after your project is done.
However, you can always decide to add more to your project or make changes throughout the process, which can easily be adjusted in the design-builder billing. It’s a much easier and more seamless way to make the changes compared to tracking down a contractor to implement the changes, pay them, then get back on track.
Since the work is centralized and team members are connected to each other through the central hub, communication becomes easier, faster, and more efficient. Many local home remodeling companies have extensive experience and relationships with vendors that will allow for superior customer service and finishes.
In most cases, it’s crucial for you to get the remodeling project done within the agreed-upon schedule. Also, knowing when the project will end will help you save money and get started with other finishing projects. When you work with a design-build company, they always finish their work on time, sometimes even faster than the estimated time.
Understanding functionality and needs is crucial for any remodeling project; it’s much more than just being appealing. When skilled designers remodel a house, they first make it a high-functioning area with minimal disruption, and bring a vision to life.
Moreover, with a design-builder, you can get the combined expertise they’ve gathered by working on many different projects over the years. They won’t take any shortcuts; rather, they will combine all their knowledge and information to make your project the best one.
We all need to keep in mind that unforeseen problems can occur while remodeling and renovating a home. However, the risk can be reduced if you work with a design-build company. They can minimize risks as their team has the skills and knowledge to address any issues and fix them in the best way possible. The communication will go directly between the homeowner and the design-builder, and won’t be a game of telephone to figure out what’s happening.
They can also take preventive measures beforehand to eliminate the possibility of risks. In this way, the cost of emergency risk management will also decrease.
Handling the remodeling of your home can be very stressful from time to time. You may get confused about how you should start the project, whom you should contact, when invoices are due, or what you are responsible for during the process.
However, with the design-builder to guide you through each and every step with their knowledgeable assistance, you will feel relaxed throughout the remodeling process.
Design-build firm members can always handle unexpected and challenging situations better. Also, they can provide you with a quick solution if you want to add or remove anything from the planned project. Their flexibility makes the homeowner satisfied in any kind of situation.
When work is not properly organized and there are miscommunications, disputes among the parties and workers arise. But when a centralized design-build firm handles the remodeling project, everything is properly organized and there are fewer disputes.
Depending on your project’s unique requirements, you may want to explore the consideration of a design-build company. You should have an open and honest question with potential home remodeling design-builders and discuss your budget, timeline, goals, vision, etc. You can determine quickly if the project will be a match for the said contractor.
Hiring a design-builder is definitely a good idea for homeowners who want to partner with a company who cares about their reputation and the project itself. If you think about it, the design-builder has so much more on the line than a single contractor who comes in for a day, does their job, and leaves. If you’re considering a home remodeling project in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer to see if we can answer your questions. We are there to help you bring your vision to life!
As with any home remodeling project, there are many factors to consider. Everything from your budget and timeline to space optimization and trendy colors, homeowners around the Kansas City area are turning to contractors like Wineteer Construction to complete a whole home, or exterior home remodeling projects. This article will provide 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel to consider as we can enjoy all four seasons in the Kansas City area. Let’s begin!
#1. The first of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is the exterior paint and aesthetics. Many neighborhood associations will flag homes in dire need of a paint job, so the exterior of homes around Kansas City are well maintained. However, with an exterior home remodel, you may want to revamp your existing paint color from the browns and tans to the grays, or even white palettes that are trendy in 2023. In addition, homeowners have many other considerations when it comes to the actual exterior texture of their home.
There are endless options when it comes to remodeling the exterior of your home. When homeowners decide to proceed with a home remodel, one of the first spots they tend to “research” is on Pinterest, Houzz, or simply Google. Homeowners can easily become overwhelmed with the amount of options available for home remodeling. So many of our clients around Overland Park, Lenexa, Olathe, and all of Johnson County, have found that partnering with a reputable contractor like Wineteer has made the experience entirely different and enjoyable. With Wineteer, the process is different than other Kansas City home remodeling contractors. We take the time to listen to the client from the very beginning and understand their desires, wants, non-negotiables, while offering our expertise on design choices and spacial suggestions. Together, the partnership is unmatched.
Another aspect of the exterior paint and aesthetics are the windows. Replacing the existing windows and doors can have a huge impact on many factors of your home, including energy efficiency, temperature regulation, appearance, and overall an increase in your home’s value. If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer Construction for your window replacement needs!
#2. The second of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is the landscaping. Before we begin the exterior of the home, will any of the landscaping be impacted, moved, changed, or added? Is the homeowner changing the shrubbery surrounding the front door? Will the stones to the doorway change? Will the flower beds be extended or replaced? All of the landscaping impacts the home’s exterior and should be considered before the exterior home remodel begins.
RELATED: Plants that Thrive in Kansas City
#3. The third idea for an Exterior Home Remodel is adding character. Have you ever driven into a neighborhood and each house looks the same? Same paint palette, same configuration and elevation, same landscaping, etc. While you’re considering an exterior home remodel, or any home remodel, why not add some charm? Now is the time to add that pop of color to your front door or garage. Have you wanted to do some cool outdoor plants, or solar lights? Now’s the perfect time. Adding any character, or charm, to your home truly makes it yours. These are the simple, and inexpensive, details that people will notice, and fall in love with!
#4. The fourth of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is to consider your home’s concrete, including your sidewalk, driveway, walk way, porch, patio. This seems like such a boring consideration, but think about it for a moment. Your home’s concrete driveway and sidewalk are one of the first aspects of a home that people see. If your concrete is damaged, uneven, or cracking and crumbling, this is simply an eyesore. In addition to the aesthetic displeasure, this can be a dangerous situation. The #1 visit in hospital emergency rooms is due to falls. Be sure your exterior concrete is safe, secure, and level.
There’s also a layer of creativity you can add to your home through the concrete. This article, 22 Concrete Driveway Ideas to Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal, showcases some really cool creative ways to draw attention to your home, including concrete tiles, pavers, colored concrete finishes, polished and stained concrete, and even two-toned concrete.
#5. The final of the 5 Ideas for an Exterior Home Remodel is a home addition, including a new patio, extended kitchen, outdoor kitchen, or renovation the front porch. When it comes to considering the home addition path, you should consult with a local design and build form. Companies like Wineteer Construction help homeowners in the Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, and Brookside complete the most beautiful and seamless home renovations. There are so many options out there when you begin the journey of a home remodel. Feel free to reach out to the team at Wineteer Construction for design and budget discussions. Click here to begin the process.
With more than 150 years of combined renovation experience, Wineteer Construction brings unsurpassed talent, extensive expertise and flexibility to every commercial project. We complete every job, large and small, on time and on budget by solving complex challenges and managing every aspect from design to completion.
Specifically, Wineteer Construction works behind the scenes to build themed projects for a variety of entertainment environments, contributing to the overall experience for patrons at zoos, aquariums and museums. Recently, our team has spent time at Worlds of Fun, a 235-acre amusement park, and Oceans of Fun, a tropical-themed water park, in Kansas City, Missouri.
For one commercial project, Wineteer Construction is converting an existing structure—a dated Swedish snack shack—into a new, hip Coca-Cola Freestyle cafe, which will offer more than 120 different fountain drink flavor options. The key will be to combine architectural hints from surrounding buildings with Coke’s innovative, modern vibe. This is not the first time Wineteer Construction has incorporated Coke’s very recognizable brand, while still forming a space that is unique to the park’s aesthetic.
Another Wineteer Construction project will showcase how our artful designs mix with an efficient building process. Our team, armed with a specific understanding of health codes, safety and ADA compliance issues, is proficient in working with unique materials and equipment. The Oceans of Fun project will recapture patio space to provide four new family restrooms.
Our financial stability, industry relationships and solid reputation as a quality builder makes Wineteer Construction the go-to-resource for any commercial project!
Wineteer Construction is proud to be selected as the construction partner for Avenues Bistro, located in the heart of Brookside in Kansas City. Avenues Bistro will be opening L’Cove, a lounge located directly next door to the current space, serving cocktails, desserts and other sumptuous dining options.
To showcase the work Wineteer does from the inside out, we are posting pictures of the progress on a regular basis. With another week closer to the opening of L’Cove, the Wineteer Construction crew is focusing on the details—stringing wires and placing recessed lighting. The work is really a balancing act, as the space fills up with equipment…and many ladders.
Review the Avenues Bistro project from the beginning:
Wineteer Construction is proud to be selected as the construction partner for Avenues Bistro, located in the heart of Brookside in Kansas City. Avenues Bistro will be opening L’Cove, a lounge located directly next door to the current space, serving cocktails, desserts and other sumptuous dining options.
To showcase the work Wineteer does from the inside out, we are posting pictures of the progress on a regular basis. As our project enters week seven, we have covered the windows, so our final touches can be a hidden surprise. But for our special readers, like you, we will continue to post updates online for peeks inside.
Anticipation is growing for L’Cove, which will have the classic look of the Avenues Bistro on the outside, with a modern design inside. The contrast of steel gray and burnt orange gives a mellow ambiance as the lounge is crafted together.
The space is broken down into multiple dimensions. The warm tone inside is heightened with the new lighting installations, which add an energetic glow. Speaking of electric installations, some packages on the floor should be a sign of what the next few weeks will bring…mounted flat screen televisions.
Review the Avenues Bistro project from the beginning:
The holidays are a time when family and friends gather together for giant meals with all the trimmings, loved ones near and far spend quality time together in one cozy space, and memories are created in front of a decorated tree or crackling fireplace. But what if the kitchen has limited counter space or there is no formal dining room or there are too few bedrooms or the tree stacked with presents takes up all the extra space?
