The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where you have meals, cook with your family, and take part in meaningful conversations. If you have decided to take the plunge and update your kitchen, then finding the right contractor for the job is probably your number one concern. You want a contractor that will make sure that your project remains on time, on budget, and in line with your wants and needs.
If searching for Lakeville kitchen and bath remodel contractors overwhelms you, you’re probably not alone. There are a lot of choices, but how do you determine what company is right for you? With some simples steps, you can be confident in your decision rather than losing sleep over it.
What to Look for in a Kitchen Remodeler
Your contractor is one of the most important team players when it comes to your kitchen remodel, and there are plenty of things that make one contractor stand out from another. What exactly are some of the points to consider when assessing Lakeville kitchen remodelers?
Map Out Your Remodel
Before you look for a contractor, decide what type of remodeling you want to do? Do you want to replace the cabinets or gut the whole kitchen and start from scratch? Determining exactly what you want to be done can help you find the right contractor. If you aren’t exactly sure, getting some guidance from a few professionals can help you decide which project may be right for you.
Ask For Referrals
Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find a contractor in your area. The more people who recommend a company, the better. It shows that they are credible and perform quality work. Don’t just let online reviews be the end all be all, though. Ask around to friends, family, or neighbors to see what sort of experiences they’ve had. Make sure to ask them plenty of questions about their experience to get a good feel for the company they worked with. If you keep heading one name over and over again, like Honey-Doers for example, that’s a good sign that the company has earned the trust of those in your area.
Look at Credentials
After you’ve gotten your recommendations, it’s important to check out each companies credentials. Do they have the proper licensing, or designations from any professional associations, for example, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the National Association of Homebuilders, and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry? A company that invests in coursework and certifications, shows they care about the quality of their work.
Proof of Insurance
Always make sure to ask your contractor for proof of insurance. A good, professional contractor will have insurance that covers them against any liability in case something goes wrong. You also want to make sure that any subcontractors they use also have proof of insurance. Ensure that their insurance is valid by checking with the insurance company.
Interview Candidates
Before you narrow down your selection, make sure you conduct one-on-one interviews with each viable candidate. How a contractor answers questions and interacts with you can indicate how smoothly the process of your remodel could go. You also want to make sure they ask you plenty of questions. Communication goes both ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
You never want to hire a contractor without asking several questions. If you aren’t sure of the right questions to ask, here is a list of where to start:
- Do you have a contracting license?
- Can I see proof of insurance?
- Will you obtain the required permits for the job?
- What is your timeline for completion?
- What will the payment schedule look like?
- Are there rules for household access during the remodel?
- Will I be able to request or change anything during the process?
Check References
After you have interviewed your potential candidates, you should ask for references and recent photos. Having a visual of some of their past projects will show you whether their work is quality. Ask previous clients of theirs, and even check businesses and subcontractors they work with. How do they handle financial transactions or how do they react when something goes wrong?
Get Everything in Writing
An extremely crucial step when it comes to hiring the right contractor is getting everything in writing. Are the documents authentic and professional? Make sure to read the entire contract very thoroughly so nothing is left out. If your contractor isn’t willing to put something in writing, that should be a red flag.
Some important terms to include in your contract:
- Project description and scope of work
- Project timeline and deadlines
- A payment schedule
- Certifications
- Responsibilities of each party
- Warranty
Why Honey-Doers?
Have your Lakeville kitchen remodel done with Honey-Doers! We have been operating out of Lakeville, MN for over 20 years. The licensed contractors at Honey-Doers specialize in providing high-quality residential remodeling, renovation, repair, maintenance, assembly and installation services. We’ll help you take the headache out of home renovations and truly customize your project to not only meet, but exceed all of your expectations.
Honey-Doers will help you from start to finish with your kitchen remodel. We will create a space in your home that’s not only functional for cooking, dining, and gathering but aesthetically pleasing for you and your guests. We can bring your Lakeville kitchen remodel to the next level. Contact us today to get started!
