How to Hire a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Start with the right questions

Ask how many kitchens they have remodeled, whether they have done projects like yours and who will be on site daily. Ask about their process, schedule and how they communicate. The way they answer tells you about how they work.

A contractor who listens and explains clearly is usually easier to work with than one who pushes a quick sale.

Check references and past work

Ask for recent references and look at finished projects. Talk with past clients about communication, cleanliness, adherence to budget and how problems were handled. Every project has problems, so how they are solved is what matters.

Online reviews are helpful but read them carefully for patterns.

Verify what must be verified

Check with the relevant local and state offices about required credentials for your type of project and confirm that the company can provide them. Ask about insurance coverage and request documentation, and make sure you understand who is responsible for permits.

We encourage every homeowner to verify these items with any contractor they consider, including us.

Get itemized, comparable quotes

A good quote lists scope, materials, allowances, timeline, payment schedule and what is excluded. Compare quotes line by line. If one is much lower, find out why.

Be wary of quotes that are just a number on a page with no detail.

Read the contract

The contract should describe the scope, the price, the schedule, the payment terms, how changes are handled, how disputes are resolved and what happens if the project is delayed. It should be signed by both parties before work begins.

If something is promised verbally, ask for it in writing.

Watch for red flags

Pressure to sign immediately, a request for a large payment up front, no written contract, vague scope, reluctance to give references and unusual discounts for cash are all reasons to pause.

Trust your instincts. A good contractor welcomes questions.

Set up the relationship for success

Agree on communication: how often you will hear from the team, who to call and how decisions are made. Agree on working hours, access, pets and parking. Walk through the project before it starts.

A good start sets the tone for the whole project.