How to Contract for a Kitchen Remodel
- 1). Make a list of possible contractors to hire for your kitchen remodeling job. Start by talking with local home improvement stores to see if they have any recommendations. Then, talk with friends, neighbors and family members who have remodeled their kitchens to grow your list.
- 2). Check up on the contractors on your list before inviting them out to give you an estimate. Ask about licensing and insurance. Insurance should include workers compensation, liability and property damage.
- 3). Ask each contractor for a list of suppliers they use for kitchen remodels. Contact each one of these suppliers to ask about the contractor. Find out how they are to work with and whether or not they pay their bill when its due.
- 4). Get a few references of past customers from each contractor. Contact these customers if possible to find out if their kitchen remodel was finished within the promised time frame and on budget.
- 5). Invite the contractors you're considering to your home to offer an estimate for your kitchen remodel. This estimate will include all materials, supplies and labor for the job. It should also include the time frame that the job can be completed in, as well as an extra clause stating how much the contractor can go over budget should problems arise and when they need to update you on the remodeling's progress.
- 6). Keep an eye for warning signs that the contractors you're considering are not worth the money. For example, if you receive one estimate that's much lower than the others, the contractor might be inexperienced or might not even intend to finish the remodel. A few others things to watch out for are an offer for second-rate materials, payment in cash, a large payment upfront before work begins or a limited-time special price.
- 7). Look over contracts carefully before hiring a contractor. Read the fine print and make sure you understand everything. If it's complicated or vague, ask for clarification or revisions. In some cases, it could be smart to hire a lawyer to interpret the contract for you.
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