Kitchens are one of the more challenging rooms to remodel. The average cost for such projects can start from $20,000 and it can take around 2 months to complete. You will need a capable, committed, and trustworthy contractor. Someone who will not surprise you with hidden costs or delay finishing the project.
Now, you may have hundreds of questions for your contractor. Let’s narrow it down to the top 5 questions to ask your contractor before you start your kitchen remodel.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
It is a good idea to look at your contractor’s certification before signing on the dotted line. You can find out if they are a licensed contractor in Portland through this site. Request a copy of their insurance certificate. It should list you as additionally insured, should the policy expire during renovation.
2. Will you use your own employees or will there be sub-trades?
You should know who is doing the work on your kitchen. You may meet with a general contractor who is likable and reliable. But if he is going to sub out the work, then you need to know who you are actually hiring. Ask for a list of the involved workers. Find out if all sub-contractors have disability insurance and worker’s compensation.
3. How long will it take to renovate my kitchen?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? A good contractor will tell you that it will take as long as it takes to do the job right. But, they should be able to give you a decent estimate. Whether it will take 2 weeks or 5, ask for a baseline.
A kitchen remodel is a major renovation so you need to prepare. If they give you an estimate of two months, don’t wait for the full two months to pass by before asking for a follow-up.
4. Can I use my kitchen while renovations are ongoing?
This is another important question to ask. The answer will depend on the contractor you hire. Some may leave the stove, sink, and fridge functional. Others might not. Ask from the start what utilities they can keep so you can still prepare your meals.
5. What warranty do you offer for my kitchen?
Make sure that you get at least one year warranty from your contractor. Also, ask if there are separate warranties for your countertop or kitchen cabinets. These often come from different suppliers. Your contractor may offer a different warranty from the supplier.
The last thing you need is to void your warranty. Thus, ask your contractor for a clear set of instructions. These should include proper care for your countertop and kitchen cabinets.
A kitchen renovation is a huge project. You should not have reservations about asking the questions above. You need to have as much knowledge as possible before committing to a renovation project. If you would like a consultation on how to go about your kitchen renovation, feel free to contact us!
Sources:
7 Questions to Ask a Contractor Before Starting a Kitchen Remodel
10 Questions You Should Ask Before you Start Your Kitchen Renovation