Unlike kitchen finishes or fixtures, you can’t possibly choose a renovation contractor out of a catalog. You will have to consider many things before you make the right decision.
Why Choose a Professional Contractor for the Renovation Project?
Renovation is a great opportunity of improving this heart of your home, increase the value of the property, and improve the space efficiency as well as functionality. Choosing the best contractor is important as they can help you turn those ideas into a reality.
Main Factors to Put into Consideration
Renovating your kitchen often comes with a share of tough decisions. One of those decisions is to choose a contractor who can help with open concept kitchen renovations and other updates related to the space. To help you make the right choice, here are factors to put into consideration:
- Licensing & Insurance
Before you hire any contractor, make sure they have the right licensing as well as insurance. This will help to protect you and your home when there are unforeseen issues or accidents. The contractor you hire should have workers’ comp insurance, general liability insurance, and home improvement contractor license. You can always ask for a proof of all these credentials – a reliable contractor will be happier to present those details.
- Written Estimates
When renovating your kitchen space, a contractor you hire must be thorough in their estimates. Ask for a written estimate from the contractor and ensure the details they give are itemized. These details are important to help you compare labor costs, materials, and pricing of all the potential contractors. You also need to research a little bit about the low and high local and national averages for renovations of your specific kitchen size.
- Portfolio
If you have a list of contractors, look at their handiwork. A successful contractor is always proud of the work they do, so visit their website as well as pages of their social media platforms. Their photo gallery should include ten or more completed projects. Remember, too, to ask the renovation contractor to show you their ongoing projects. This way, you will have an idea about their design sketches and blueprints.
- Experience & Specialization
Different kitchen renovation contractors have unique specializations. Some are good at renovating kitchens only, while others may work on the entire house. This is why it is crucial to look at the expert’s previous projects. If you want more assurance, talk to their previous clients to determine where they are satisfied. In addition, determine whether the contractor often works with several subcontractors. If yes, then look at their credentials, too.
In summary, choosing the right contractor for your kitchen renovation projects is not easy. While testimonials and referrals are worth considering, great contractors for your family or friends may not be a suitable option for your specific project. This is why you need to prioritize other factors, like specialization, price, and portfolio, to make a good decision.
