Remodeling a kitchen is among the most impactful home renovation projects one can undertake, and it provides an incredible opportunity to make your kitchen more functional and modern. Open kitchens are trendy and, when properly designed, serve as a central hub to your home.
It’s important to choose a contractor that can work with your vision. If you’re wondering how to choose a kitchen remodeling contractor in your area, here are some key steps to get started.
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that personally matches homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable general contractors, we talk to homeowners every day about kitchen projects and costs – here are some key points to know.
Ask Around for Referrals
Recommendations can help you sort through a long list of kitchen contractors. There are many in Los Angeles and Southern California, and not all provide the same level of service and quality. Referrals shorten your list and can improve your confidence in specific providers. Points of contact you can start with include:
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Acquaintances
- Colleagues
- Other contractors
By asking for referrals, you may also get advice on what companies to avoid. However, knowing the positive aspects of a contractor’s service helps determine if they’re suited for your type of project.
Be Cautious with Online Reviews
Online review websites, national contractor listings, and even social media don’t provide reliable sources of information on remodelers. It’s hard to tell which reviews are real or not. Just because there’s a 4-star rating next to a contractor’s name, along with glowing praise and fancy pictures, it doesn’t mean the review is legitimate.
With GreatBuildz, there’s no need to spend time browsing through countless reviews. We’ve already pre-screened qualified kitchen remodeling contractors, so get in touch and we’ll gladly connect you with one.
Look at Past Projects
The contractor’s previous work offers insights into their quality and expertise. Photos on their website are helpful, but ask directly to see their portfolio. A contractor should be willing to share their work. Receiving examples first-hand gives a true-sense of what they do; a portfolio should:
- Have at least ten project examples.
- Showcase the style of kitchen you want.
- Include before, during, and after photos.
- Provide plan details such as sketches and blueprints.
- Contain mainly projects from the past year.
Beware of too few project listings or photos of poor quality. Grainy, low-resolution images or low lighting may mean the contractor is hiding imperfections. If examples of their best work are sub-par, a standard kitchen remodel won’t exceed that.
Research Credentials
Kitchen remodeling is complicated and expensive. A contractor should have the proper state and local licensing before you begin to consider them. If you’re uncertain about legal requirements, contact a local licensing agency. Requirements vary from state to state.
A kitchen contractor should have the appropriate insurance coverage. In most cases, that included General Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Insurance. Before deciding on which contractor to hire, ask for copies of their insurance certificates. Never hire an unlicensed or uninsured contractor. They might be cheaper, but consider the fact this person has decided to run their business without the necessary legal requirements. Would you hire an Uber driver without a drivers license just to save some money?
Also look at certification. Examples include NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler certification or membership with the National Kitchen & Bath Association or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Earning a certification requires meeting strict standards, completing coursework, and passing rigorous tests. Acceptance by top national certifying bodies means a contractor is committed to quality service and results.
How the Contractor Conducts Business
Any kitchen remodeling contractor should listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain things in detail. Beyond their demeanor, it’s essential the business is easy to contact. They should have a permanent mailing address and contact information, including a dedicated phone number and email. A remodeler’s insurance certificate should be available for you to review, as insurance protects you from liability should a project go wrong.
Look at how long the contractor has operated under their current name. Is it known in the community? Many contractors often work together. Does the business collaborate with other remodelers, such as electricians and plumbers?
Get a Detailed Bid
Bids should contain a wide range of details, including the cost of materials and furnishings, permitting, labor, etc. This gives you an opportunity to compare multiple bids. Each one should factor in your plans. If you’re not satisfied with the pricing, try to negotiate with the contractor.
Find a Qualified Contractor with GreatBuildz
GreatBuildz will match you with a qualified, pre-screened Los Angeles kitchen remodeling contractor at no cost. All contractors are background-checked and vetted for their work experience, quality of management, licensing, and more. In addition to matching you with a contractor, we also provide ongoing project support. To discuss your project and get started, call us at 818-317-3567 today.
When it comes to planning and coordinating a garage conversion for your home, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your renovation experience in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, thoroughly screened kitchen contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with our local team about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
