Choosing the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor for Your Project

by Jane Smallman
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

If your kitchen doesn't quite match up to your needs or is in need of a facelift, a remodeling project may be the answer. If you decide to hire a contractor, what should you look for?

If you have decided that the time has come to up-date your kitchen and bring it into the 21st century with a thorough remodeling project, you are probably wondering whether to do the work yourself or hire a professional kitchen remodeling contractor.

If you decide to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor, how do you find the right company for your particular project?

Finding the Right Kitchen Remodeling Contractor for Your Project.
It's a difficult job, but not an impossible one. Follow these tips and you can be sure of finding the right kitchen remodeling contractor for your personal project:

• Ask For Advice. It is likely that someone you know has already carried out a kitchen remodeling project and can recommend a good contractor.
• Call the Kitchen Remodeling Professionals. Get in touch with all promising contractors, describe your project and ask them if they have ever done anything similar to it.

 

Conduct Interviews before Hiring

• Ask for a list of references from recent jobs then call the clients to find out whether the contractor completed the work on time and on budget.
• Ask to see some sample bids; check the level of detail in these.
• Are there subcontractors? How well does the company know them?
• Is the contractor properly insured?
• Is the contractor used to following detailed plans?
• Will the contractor allow you to do some of the work yourself?
• Ask yourself whether you trust this person and can work with them.

About the Author
Jane Smallman runs a mountain guiding business with her husband. Her early training was in hotel management and she has worked in the hotel industry in France, Holland, the US and the UK. Following this she worked in an administrative capacity for a number of not-for-profit organizations in the UK, including the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the Refugee Legal Centre. While doing this she earned a degree in Social Sciences through distance learning with the Open University. After graduation she progressed to the University of Sussex as a full-time student where she was awarded a Masters Degree in Social and Political Thought.