Selecting a Kansas City kitchen remodeling contractor is always an important decision for any homeowner. Making the right choice will put you on the way to having your dream kitchen in less time. However, you need to know what the most important things are to look for if you want the best possible results.
Read on to learn more about what to look for when choosing the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling project. The more you know about what to look for, the better your chances of making the right choice.
Do You Need a Kitchen Specialist?
There might not seem to be many differences between general contractors with kitchen remodeling experience and kitchen remodeling specialists. Both will be licensed contractors able to work in the Kansas City area. However, choosing between the two will depend on your goals for the project.
If your project involves the kitchen alone, a kitchen specialist might be your best choice. These professionals will have experience with kitchen remodeling and focus much of their attention on these types of projects. However, if your kitchen remodels are part of a larger project involving other areas of the house, a general contractor who also has experience remodeling kitchens can be a good choice.
Professionals who specialize in kitchen work will have detailed plans. You’ll have time to consult with the professional to make sure your goals are met. Specialists can easily handle kitchens in need of major rehabilitation.
How Do You Choose a Kansas City Kitchen Remodeling Contractor?
Friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors can be excellent sources of recommendations for contractors when you want to remodel your kitchen. Once you’ve got a few recommendations, online reviews can help give you a clearer picture of the overall customer experience. Look for mentions of obvious safety issues or outdated licensing, which are huge red flags.
After you’ve read some reviews, you’ll want to narrow your choices down to between three and five contractors. Think about the scope of your project and make sure you can describe what you need very clearly. It’s always a good idea to check out the contractor’s credentials before committing to an appointment.
Some helpful things to ask about include:
- Licensing, certification, and insurance
- Do they have references from past clients?
- Are the workers all employees or are subcontractors involved?
- Is a quote or estimate possible, and what’s the payment schedule?
What Type of Planning is Involved When Remodeling a Kitchen?
When you’re screening prospective contractors, it’s helpful to get quotes from each of your top picks before making your choice. Some of the things that you need to consider include:
- The timeline for job completion, including how you may handle meals while any of your appliances are temporarily out of order
- What hours the construction crew will be working in the kitchen and if you need arrangements to keep kids and pets from getting underfoot
- Where any electrical components will be placed in the kitchen
- What materials and brands will be used for flooring, cabinets, and counters
Kansas City Kitchen Remodeling Contractor: What Else to Know Before Hiring a Kitchen Pro
One of the most important things to remember is that your kitchen will be out of commission while the work is going in, and it’s easier for everyone involved for whatever is not being used during this time to be moved before work starts.
Also, it’s helpful for the contractors working in your kitchen to know where the circuit breakers and water shut-off valves are. That way, the contractor can shut off what they need to regardless of whether you’re busy.
If you need a Kansas City Kitchen remodeling contractor, Karin Ross Designs is ready and waiting to help you with the entire process.