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Know Your
Kitchen Contractors Credentials
Checking out kitchen contractors doesn't have to be a
dreaded job when considering the investment you are making
in your home through renovation. Investing a little time
in the investigating of contractors will give you peace of
mind, confidence in your contractor and the expected end.
There are a few helpful steps to get you started and erase
uncertainty and doubt from your mind. Sleeping well at
night is an added bonus!
Always ask the contractor for referrals. This is the
number one mistake homeowners make by simply taking the
contractor word and not checking him out. Being victimized
is an unwanted reality in today's world. Word of mouth is
the best way to find a qualified and reliable contractor
who's work you can check out. Ask relatives, friends and
neighbors who they have used and had good relationships
with. Ask questions like what made it a positive
experience, how the contractor communicated with you and
how he handled problems that arose. The big question is,
would you use him again?
Be sure to check out their credentials through research of
the recommended contractors. Make sure the contractors
hold all the required licenses he needs to get the job
done such as licenses from the state and local
municipalities as well as designations from any
professional associations...
Any remodeling professional worth his or her name, will
have invested in the coursework and passed rigorous tests
in order to earn a particular certification. Be aware,
however, that all certifications are not created equal.
Check out what it took to be certified in the area they
say they are certified in.
There is nothing wrong with interviewing candidates so set
up times to go over the plans you have and see if you and
the contractor are on the same page and he will be willing
to work with your ideas and at the same time, offer some
helpful ones of his own. Do not go overboard with the
quotes because it can get way too confusing when trying to
make a decision. Write down questions ahead of time. Being
prepared helps you to not forget things that are important
to your project. The contractor should be willing to
listen to you and offers the pros and cons of your design
for your specific house. It's important to have good
communication between you and your contractor eliminating
hopefully any friction if the unexpected is to arise which
in renovation, the surprises are likely.
Having good chemistry with your contractor is necessary
because this is probably going to be someone you will be
working with for quite sometime. You have to trust the
people you are working with! Always require in the bid
price the scope of the work, payment schedule, a site
plan, schedule of primary construction tasks, change order
clause, list for close out and express limited warranty.
In addition, a clause about dispute resolution and a
waiver of lien which would protect you from subcontractors
putting a lien on the house in case the contractor did not
pay. Hopefully everything will check out and you can move
forward with confidence! |
