How to Choose a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in 4 Steps

If a kitchen remodel is on your to-do list this year, you have lots of decisions to make. One of the most important is your choice of a remodeling contractor. More households are hiring kitchen remodeling professionals to get the job done — 89%, according to a recent Zillow survey. Pros are experts in their fields and come with a wealth of design and construction knowledge. They can make or break the project, affecting everything from your overall costs to the completion date. Selecting the best one for your kitchen remodel will make the whole process less stressful and more enjoyable so you can start cooking up your favorite recipes faster with fewer disruptions to your life and savings account. Here's what you need to know when hiring a contractor for a kitchen remodel.

1. Ask for Referrals

Referrals are gold when casting your net for remodeling professionals. Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers who’ve recently remodeled for recommendations. Get specific with your questions, like how the contractor handled supply chain issues, weather delays, and illness or injury among the workers. Understand how they manage problems and challenges so you know what to expect when working with them. Don’t forget to ask the most important question — whether your contact would hire that particular contractor again for a similar project.‍

2. Check Credentials

Once you've compiled a shortlist of 10 to 15 potential contractors and confirm that they’re locally based, it's time to check their credentials. Confirm they're properly licensed by calling the regulatory agency in your state. Be sure to request copies of both their license and insurance documents (including workers’ compensation). Proper insurance protects you, your property, and the contractor should damage or injury occur on the job site. Contractors should be willing and able to provide prospective customers with this information openly. Anyone unwilling or uncomfortable sharing these documents is a red flag. ‍

3. Check References and Reviews

Reputable contractors will provide you with local references from satisfied customers upon request.  Good contractors will often invite you to review their reviews and testimonials. Ask to see before and after photos of similar kitchen projects so you can get a feel for their workmanship. 

When contacting references, try to get a sense of how the contractor works and communicates. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Was your kitchen remodel completed on time?
• Did your project stay on budget? If not, why not?
• How did the contractor communicate status updates? 
• How did the contractor manage any challenges that came up? 
• Would you hire this contractor again for another remodeling project? Why or why not? ‍

4. Watch for Scams

Not all remodeling contractors are created equal, and unfortunately, there are a few bad actors who aren’t looking out for your best interests. Watch out for unethical mobile contractors who often try to trick clients into thinking that they're based nearby. These types roam from community to community, leaving behind unhappy customers with shoddy workmanship, low-quality materials, and a lack of communication after the work has been completed. Some may even ask for advance payment and fail to show up to do the job.

The contractor you choose should have a local telephone number and address. If possible, visit their office in person before finalizing any commitments.

Get Licensed Contractors With a Click

Along with our 3D design tools and design assistance, Renno provides access to a network of professional contractors you can select for your next project. Each contractor has been passed for the following: licensing checks, proof of insurance coverage, quality assurance, and reference checks. Learn more by visiting our FAQs and starting designing your new kitchen today.