How to Hire a Contractor to Remodel Your Kitchen

Whether you're planning to stay in your home for years or anticipate selling it in the near future, remodeling an outdated kitchen is an investment worth making. A remodeled kitchen adds tremendous value to your home and returns at least 80% of the cost, according to the National Association of Realtors. And you can't put a price on your enjoyment of new appliances, updated countertops or even a more convenient floor plan. Here are some hints on how to hire a contractor to remodel your kitchen:

Before You Hire a Contractor 

First, decide how much you can afford to spend - this will help a contractor determine what's feasible and what's not. Then comes the fun part: deciding what you want. Home and decorating magazines, websites and home-improvement stores are good resources. Keep a file folder with pictures of what you like. The clearer your ideas going into the project, the easier the planning will be.

It is important that you select a contractor who understands your needs, and works with you to keep the project within your budget. A contractor should provide several choices when selecting materials, products and services, and help you decide on an affordable option.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• Do you want to keep the existing floor plan or create a new one?
• Are you altering or working within the current space?
• What do you like and dislike about your current kitchen?
• Are there specific materials you would like to use?
• Which appliances, if any, will you replace?
• Will you purchase high-end or budget-friendly appliances?

How to Find a Contractor

With a budget and your ideas in place, it's time to find a contractor. The best way is to ask friends, neighbors and colleagues for recommendations, because a contractor's reputation among former clients is the best gauge of his or her work. It's also a good idea to look at the work a contractor has done for previous clients.

Questions to ask former clients include:

• Did your contractor finish the job within the budget? If not, what caused the overage?
• Were you informed of the costs as they came up?
• How did the contractor handle setbacks or glitches?
• Was he or she easy to work with?
• What was the contractor's crew like? Were they respectful? Did they clean up after themselves each day?
• If plans changed while the work was in progress, were the changes accommodated, or was the contractor inflexible?
• Would you hire that contractor again?

Another good way to find a contractor is by using the website of a reputable professional organization, such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry or the National Association of Homebuilders.

Questions to Ask a Contractor 

Set up appointments with at least three contractors, more if you have time. Estimates should be free; avoid a contractor who wants to charge you. Here are some things you'll want to ask a prospective contractor:

• How long has the company been in business?
• May I visit a site you're currently working on?
• How early will work start in the mornings, and what time will workers leave each day?
• Who will be the contact person if I hire this company?
• What kind of payment schedule will you expect?
• What kind of insurance does the company carry?

Getting an Estimate from a Contractor 

Estimates should be given to you in writing and include these essentials:

• The work to be done in detail
• The specific materials to be used
• A time frame for the work to be completed
• A firm price
• The company's guarantee on the work

Ask the same questions of each contractor so the comparisons are fair, and when you've narrowed it down to one or two, check their references thoroughly.

Things to Watch Out For

Don't hire the contractor if he/she:

• Requires cash only or pressures you for a same-day decision
• Doesn't have or can't provide proof of insurance and applicable licensing
• Requires you to get the necessary permits