We’ve all heard tales of contractors who were a nightmare to deal with – they billed far more than the original estimate, took a long time to complete the work, or simply abandoned the job and left homeowners with untiled floors or hanging wires from the ceiling. Finding a dependable contractor may be one of the most difficult aspects of a kitchen or bathroom makeover. Where do you begin? How can you know whether this is the person for the position? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways to guarantee that you hire someone trustworthy, so your ideal kitchen doesn’t become a nightmare.
Make Sure You Know What You Want Out of Your Remodel
You’ll save a lot of time and money if you plan ahead of time by preparing a budget and determining what materials you want for each portion of the renovation. You may make an online kitchen or bathroom design to help both you and the potential contractors. You won’t be swayed by the competing contractors and wind up with separate projects for each if you arrive at the table with a clear view of your project.
Ask around
Instead of just randomly selecting someone from a list of local contractors or real estate agents, see what your friends and family have to say. Don’t be afraid to inquire about who you should hire from your family and friends who recently renovated their house. You may also seek recommendations from individuals in the field, real estate agents, home experts, or even at your local hardware store.
Call Up a Few Different Candidates
Once you’ve narrowed it down to 8-10 names, contact each one for an initial impression of their work ethic and your ability to communicate effectively with one another. Briefly describe your project and get a sense of how interested they are in your renovation. Also ask if they have the necessary licenses for your state, as well as whether they have insurance.
Consider a Specialist
Find out which contractors in your area are the best fit for your project if you’re concentrated on a particular job like new cabinets or flooring. There are countertops, kitchen-bathroom remodelers, and other specialists that specialize in specific projects. If you have a specific project in mind, such as a complete bathroom renovation, go with a professional who has experience in that particular field.
Do a Little Research on the Internet
Most people don’t bother, but it’s good to check out what other kitchen and bathroom remodelling jobs this contractor has completed. Take a look at their site and see if they’re up to date with the latest trends in your area of interest. Check out their before-and-after photos to see if their work matches your style. You can even take a tour online of other houses that he or she has renovated in your area.
Find Out More About the Contractor’s Reputation
Look up the contractor on the Internet to see whether they have a website or any reviews or testimonials of their work online after you’ve spoken with friends, relatives, and experts for recommendations. yelp, houzz, and home contractors are just a few websites that offer pages with reviews of local contractors so you can get an idea of what other people have had to say about them.
Interview Your Top Four Candidates
After your first phone conversations, narrow the list of prospects down to four and invite them for an interview. Ask all of your candidates the same questions and request that they submit a written offer that includes similar materials. It’s essential to be consistent. Whether it’s because the interviews are different with each of the contractors, whether it’s simply the best offer for your budget, or whether it’s just the right “fit,” shopping around and having a few alternatives is a smart idea. Keep track of their answers while you’re talking so you can recall them later. It’s vital to discover out during the interview, for example, how long their firm has been operating and how many projects similar to yours they’ve completed before. It makes sense to go with someone who knows the ropes if you’re getting bespoke work; however, it’s also a good idea to investigate RTA cabinets if you’re going for a less expensive option. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractors questions that allow you to picture yourself as their own contractor while you interview them. You may find that you can accomplish a lot of these tasks on your own.
Final Steps
If you’re thinking about two candidates who appear to be a good fit, arrange for a follow-up interview. This is also an excellent time to ask any questions that you may have overlooked the first time. Prepare to negotiate the payment terms once you’ve decided on a contractor. Following completion of separate phases of the job, agree to make payments. Another option is to contact a professional and let them install the vanity in your bathroom. It would be less expensive than hiring someone in most cases, and you can save money by not having to pay for labor or material. Again, don’t underestimate the value of doing some tasks yourself — you might be surprised at how much money and time you can save. You can save money by doing some tasks yourself.
You are now ready to choose the right contractor for your project. These tips are valid in almost all cities from Calgary to Nashville and we highly recommend keeping these tips in mind when choosing a kitchen remodelling contractor. You’re on your way to having an updated, beautiful home in no time! Good luck!