Hiring a kitchen contractor is often easier said than done, and if you ask around, you’ll likely find friends and family members who were burned by a general contractor. On the other hand, you’ll also likely find numerous recommendations for a contractor. When it comes to hiring a kitchen contractor, what’s the secret to finding the right company to get the job done? To answer that question, we have compiled a list of common mistakes we see when people decide to hire a kitchen contractor.
Not Checking Reviews and References
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to hiring a kitchen contractor is not checking reviews and references. Most kitchen contractors will list their references with testimonies, but it’s important to ask a prospective contractor if they have specific references that you can contact. You can also check out the social media pages of prospective kitchen contractors to see reviews from their clients. This is a great way to see what others think about the kitchen contractor you’re considering using. If you don’t check out reviews and references, then you leave yourself open to running into problems that other customers might have pointed out.
Not Asking Questions
Another big mistake when it comes to hiring a kitchen contractor is simply not asking questions. Sometimes, people aren’t sure what questions to ask a prospective kitchen contractor. A few questions to ask might include:
- What have some of your recent kitchen remodels entailed?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- When do I need to pay? Do I pay in portions or all at once?
- When can you start? When do you think you can wrap up?
By asking questions like these up front, you can feel more at peace knowing what to expect during the entire process. If you’ve never hired a kitchen contractor before, then you probably aren’t sure what to expect in terms of the process, and if you have hired a kitchen contractor before, then it’s important to note that no two contractors are the same.
Not Stating Your Budget
Sometimes, people are a little shy about being transparent about their budget, but if you know exactly how much you want to spend on your kitchen project, then let a prospective kitchen contractor know up front. They can let you know what they can do within that price, and you have a better idea of what you can truly afford. Kitchen contractors are accustomed to working with varying budgets, so if you are up front about what you’re expecting, they can give you their best offer.
Not Getting a Written Contract
Anytime you’re getting quotes from kitchen contractors, it’s important to get everything in writing. Yes, you should even get the initial estimate in writing! A professional kitchen contractor will undoubtedly give you a quote in writing. When it’s time to make a contract, you should be sure to get a copy of this in writing, too. Having all documentation is important to assure that both sides – you and the contractor – are completely clear on what’s expected at every step of the way. If you have a question about something, you can likely refer to your written contract, and if you need to make a change, then you can go over this by using your written contract as a reference point.
Not Reviewing the Details
One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to hiring a kitchen contractor is not reviewing all of the details. Not only do you need to get everything in writing, but you’ve got to be sure that you’ve gone over every detail of your project with your kitchen contractor. If you bypass this review, you could be leaving you and your contractor open to miscommunication. Mistakes and mishaps can be time consuming, so the best thing to do is to simply review all of the details with your kitchen contractor before they get started.
No two kitchen projects will be alike, so it’s important that you and your kitchen contractor are on the same page from the first day. Keeping the door open for clear communication is important from the very beginning, so if you can do that, while also ensuring that you’ve got all your questions answered and everything in writing, then you will have a better experience. Take the first step and get kitchen remodeling quotes today.