The fun can begin when you finally decide to start your kitchen remodeling. A kitchen remodels potential benefits—improved efficiency, more storage, a more welcoming atmosphere, and high-end touches—can quickly consume your thoughts which is why many people do it. But before you get carried away, you’ll need to know how to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor as it can very well dictate the very course of your remodeling project.
Choosing the right contractor is critical to the success of your project and the profitability of your return. Here are a few things you should consider so that you know how to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor.
Choosing a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor
If choosing a kitchen remodeling contractor confuses you, here are some factors you need to keep in mind.
1. Credentials
Only hire a kitchen remodeling contractor in Philadelphia who has proper licensing and insurance. Contractor licenses are issued at the state level and are distinct from those given by cities and towns. A contractor’s license is earned only after extensive testing of the applicant’s expertise in the relevant trades and in business and legal matters.
You should verify the contractor’s license and insurance, so ask for them (COI). Make sure they’re still in good standing by following up with them. Obtain verification of the license’s validity from the relevant authorities in your state. You should check with your insurance company to ensure that your coverage is still active.
2. Reputation
Finding a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor requires some research on your part. You should start by compiling a short list of kitchen remodelers in your area, with at most ten names on it. Homeowners in Philadelphia would be wise to hire a local contractor familiar with the relevant building codes and proud of their work; successful contractors value integrity and honesty.
3. References
Inquire about previous kitchen remodeling work the contractors have done. Verify the contractors’ reputations by speaking with their previous clients if you feel confident about hiring them. Inquire as to the contractors’ performance in carrying out the projects. Were they punctual and economical? Have you heard back from the customers if they liked the outcome? Is there something that they could have done differently?
Keep in mind that the process on how to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor is similar to purchasing a service rather than a physical good. The success of your project hinges on the caliber of the service you provide. Here are some questions and areas to investigate before hiring a remodeler.
4. Previous Works
After checking their references, you should be down to between two and three potential contractors. It is time to view their output at this point. Find kitchens comparable in style and scale to your own and built within the last 18 to 24 months. At that time, you can also inquire about the kitchen’s state and see if any repairs or maintenance have been required since the initial visit.
5. Bids
Begin requesting bids from the contractors who made it past the initial cut. Get comparable estimates from various service providers by giving them the same information about your kitchen remodeling project. Include as much information as possible about the materials, brands, and decisions you’ve already made. Examine the proposals for both form and content when they are received. Requests for proposals need to be clear and comprehensive.
6. Contract
Once you’ve found the one potential contractor to hire, review the paperwork they have provided. Have they tried to present a severe image? Check the contract out carefully. Is it a reasonable compromise? Include a waiver of lien, which prevents subcontractors and suppliers from placing a lien on a house if they are not paid by the contractor, in the written agreement along with the bid price and payment schedule, the scope of work, the site plan, a sequential program of primary construction tasks, a change-order clause, a written procedural list for close-out, an express limited warranty, a clause about dispute resolution, and a waiver of lien. You can put your name on the dotted line if everything looks good.
General Contractor vs. Specialist
Before anything else, one should know what kind of contractor they would like to hire. Choose the right professional for your kitchen remodel by considering both general contractors who have previously done kitchen remodeling projects and dedicated kitchen remodelers. To be clear, to guarantee the quality of their work, both candidates should be general contractors licensed by the state. Their respective business models are where the differences lie.
If you want someone with extensive experience in kitchen remodeling, a general contractor who works on a wide range of projects could be a good fit for your kitchen remodel. In contrast to kitchen specialists, these contractors have more experience with adjacent projects like earthwork, masonry, and roofing. A general contractor is the right choice if you want to add to your house or completely remodel it, but they should also know their way around kitchen remodeling.
Professionals who do kitchen remodeling projects devote their attention solely to that room. In addition to construction services, many professionals also provide design assistance to help you fully realize your ideal new home. If your kitchen remodeling primarily entails replacing an old kitchen with a brand new one, these professionals have the know-how to create the room of your dreams.
Work with a Trusted Kitchen Remodeling Company in Philadelphia
Planning your ultimate dream kitchen involves plenty of decisions. Still, the most crucial decision you’ll face is how to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor for your kitchen remodeling project to bring your vision to life. Unlike kitchen fixtures or finishes, you can’t just pick a contractor out of a catalog. There’s much more to it than personal preference or even budget, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you rush the decision or skimp on a cut-rate contractor (or even try to be your general contractor), it’s likely to cost you much more time, money and aggravation in the long run.
With 215Mercury, you can be sure that you are dealing with experienced and skilled kitchen remodeling professionals in Philadelphia. We will work with you from start to finish to guarantee that your kitchen remodeling project is executed according to plan, schedule, and budget. Contact us now and let’s begin your renovation requirements.
