Help for the Pain

You've looked around your kitchen and decided it's time for some renovation. You're dreaming about updated appliances and increased storage space. Most likely, though, you can't complete the work yourself – you'll need to hire renovation professionals. Increase your probability of successful transactions with your contractors by laying out the groundwork ahead of time.

Get Recommendations

Do a search of renovation contractors in your area, and you'll likely end up with a long list. First, talk to anyone you know who's had a similar job done. Next, talk to a building inspector or your local lumberyard. Both of them can give you insight into contractors who meet code requirements and are overall reliable business people. Before making a call, visit the Better Business Bureau's website for complaints. If any contractors you're considering have complaints, see how they resolved them.

Interview the Contractors

Once you've narrowed down the list, interview two or three professionals. Make a list of questions that you ask all of them. Start with the basics, such as how long they've been in business and what their credentials are. Likewise, include questions about how their business is organized, meaning if they make a habit of hiring subcontractors and general laborers. Also, question them about your job specifics, such as how many similar projects they've completed and when they think they can start and finish your work.

Ask for an Itemized Bid

A number is meaningless if you don't know what's included in the price. Some contractors like to just show you the bottom line. House Logic recommends asking for an itemized bid. The bid should include aspects of the job such as demolition, plumbing, electrical work and HVAC. With an itemized bid in hand, you'll know how much you could save by eliminating some aspect of the kitchen renovation.

Examine the Contract

Naturally, a contract is a legally binding piece of paperwork. Before signing with a kitchen renovation professionals, make sure all the details are in order. For example, the contractor's full name, address and telephone number should be listed. Likewise, the description of the kitchen renovation project should be clear. The description should include a list of materials as well as target start and end dates. Additionally, ensure the contract includes the total price, your payment schedule and any penalties for cancellation.

Set Down Site Rules

First of all, ask which work the contractors will perform themselves versus by outside labor. The contractors and their employees will perform better work than casual laborers. Likewise, discuss your own expectations about the workers' behavior ahead of time. Think about where it's fine for workers to eat, whether smoking is allowed and if they may play music. Additionally, let them know your expectations about clean up and work schedules. Sorting these details out ahead of time minimizes future conflicts.

Set up an open line of communication with potential contractors to ensure a successful kitchen renovation.