Consider how your company will hire new employees when looking for a kitchen remodel contractor. They don’t hire the first person to apply for the job. They collect applications from many applicants. They also include examples of their work and a list with references. The company reviews all resumes and selects the most qualified candidate to fill the position.
Before hiring a contractor to remodel their kitchen, homeowners should go through the same steps: review each contractor’s portfolio, ask for references and request bids from each company. It could prove costly to hire the wrong company. These five steps will help you avoid major problems later on.
Step 1: Create a list of kitchen remodeling contractors
Step 2: Compare Portfolios
Step 3: Follow up on references
Step 4: Visit Finished Kitchen Projects
Step 5: Contractor Selection and Bid Requests
Step 1: Create a list of kitchen remodeling contractors
Finding the right kitchen remodeling contractor in Northbrook IL takes a lot of research. First, create a list with 5-10 local kitchen remodelers. Local contractors are best for homeowners as they will know the local codes in Denver and its environs. Successful contractors are proud of what they do. They proudly displayed their work online and on Facebook. They have high ratings on popular referral networks like Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, etc.
Here are some sources for contractors to look at:
- Ask your neighbors for suggestions. You will likely know someone who has recently had their kitchen renovated. As word spreads about their quality work, qualified kitchen contractors often do multiple jobs in the same neighborhood.
- Google and Bing will give you the results for kitchen contractors. The search results page will show you the top five contractors. Next, use your preferred referral network, such as Google My Business or Yelp, to verify each contractor’s online credibility.
- Ask Next Door or Facebook for recommendations on a kitchen remodel contractor. You can follow up on any suggestions and add them to your wish list if they are worthy of consideration.
Red Flags
If they are not confident about their work or don’t have a website, take them off your list.
Step 2: Review the Portfolio of Kitchen Remodels by The Contractor
A website is the best way for a well-known and experienced kitchen contractor to showcase their work. A gallery should show at least ten completed kitchens. Ask the contractor to show you a current project. To get an idea of the contractor’s approach to a project, make sure you review any blueprints, sketches, or other on-site plans.
Red Flags
Kitchen renovations can be expensive and complex. It’s not good to take on the first project as a contractor. Do not hire contractors who only list a handful of projects on their websites. Take a look at their samples of work. You can remove the contractor from your list if it falls below your standards.
Step 3: Follow up on references.
Your list should now be reduced to a handful of candidates. Now it is time to check references. A reputable contractor in kitchen remodeling will ask you for a list. If they email you at least ten references with their name, address, phone number, and completion date, it is a sign that they are reputable. After you have received the recommendations, it is time to contact them. Here are some questions you can ask. Make sure to keep a record of your answers.
Keep the contractor in mind if a reference is positive about their experience. A homeowner who had a bad experience might not be willing to answer your questions. Get rid of contractors who leave negative or ambivalent feedback.
Red Flags
This is the most obvious sign if a contractor refuses to provide references. The next red flag is a lack of references or time gaps between projects. Ask questions. It is a sign of a contractor’s willingness to answer your questions and be open to discussing the details with you.
Step 4: Visit Finished Kitchen Projects
After the reference review, you are likely to be down to two or three contractors. It is now time to view their work. Look for kitchens that are similar to your project in terms of design and construction and were completed in the past 18-24 months. During your visit, make sure to check the condition of the work and ask homeowners if they need any repairs or servicing.
Red Flags
These are some red flags you should be aware of:
- Do not do shoddy work
- Substandard materials
- The poor flow between the stove and refrigerator, cabinetry, sink, and cabinets
- Inferior lighting
- Inadequate storage and counter space
- Crooked tile work
- Cracking grout or tile
- Caulking or grouting along edges that isn’t perfect
- Unlevel countertops with rough transitions
- Installation of cabinetry is not straight or true
- Flooring questions
Step 5: Contractor Selection and Bid Requests
Ask the top contractors to give you bids. Every contractor will provide you with a detailed proposal and an estimate of the cost of the project. Pay particular attention to these:
- Do you find the stove, refrigerator, and sink flow to be compatible with your cooking needs?
- Is there a timeframe for the project? What is the estimated completion date?
- Do you have a detailed list of the materials, appliances and labor costs required to complete the project?
- Is the total cost of the kitchen project included in the proposal?
These bids will be used to select your contractor. You don’t have to choose the lowest bid. You will live in the kitchen for a while. The best choice is to choose the one that suits your family’s budget and needs. Once the contractor has selected the right proposal, he will create a contract that details the timeframe, materials, labor, and other requirements. The homeowner will sign the contract and then send a deposit check. They will also agree to a payment plan. The project will begin at a mutually agreed time.
Red Flags
Contractors who stand behind their work understand that this is a large investment and will allow the homeowner to review their proposal. Do not accept any kitchen contractor who tries to pressure you or claims that their prices are only valid for a certain period.
Mike the One Inc.
401 S LaSalle St., Chicago, IL, 60605
(224)-766-6249
