Home remodeling has become big business as more people realize that to achieve their dream home they do not necessarily need to upgrade to something bigger when they can just make what they have better. The most important factor in making such dreams a reality is in choosing the right contractor for the job. This professional is the one that will interpret what the homeowner wants and bring the vision to life. Before we, however, get into how to find the best Kitchen Remodeling Contractors for the job, let us look at why this type of remodeling is worth the cost.

Why Invest in A Kitchen Remodel?

• Cost Savings– The kitchen is typically the most equipped with appliances. Remodels offer the opportunity to upgrade to more energy-efficient models that make for potentially significant savings in utility expenses.
• Better Safety– Newer appliances are often safer than older ones. This should be of great importance given that the kitchen is where such dangerous materials as gas, fire, and electricity all come into the mix. New wiring and higher safety ratings reduce fire hazards.
• Opportunity for Better Layout– From increasing storage space to opening up walls, there is much that can be done when remodeling even a small kitchen to make it look bigger, and function better. Rearranging the layout, switching to an open plan, and installing an island are just some of the excellent ways you can upgrade this space to give it a new look and feel.
• Best ROI– Kitchen remodels offer homeowners the best return on investment as they reliably add good value to a property. When it comes time to list a property, an upgraded kitchen can be a big draw for many potential buyers who are often happy to pay extra for one that is modernly updated.

Popular Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

There are many ways in which the look of a Kitchen can be changed. The choice of remodeling ideas will largely depend on the budget. On the lower end of the scale, simple updates that can provide good bang for the buck include repainting cabinets, adding a colorful backsplash to the sink area, changing the countertop, and adding fixtures for hanging pots, pans, and cups overhead or against the wall.

More expensive remodeling ideas that can add a modern touch include updating to new energy-efficient appliances, adding an island or kitchen nook, taking down a wall facing the living or dining area, or putting in new flooring. All these ideas, and more, are always best handled by a professional so there is minimal risk of injury and better chances of a quality finish.

Choosing Kitchen Remodeling Contractors

A simple search engine search will tell you that there are plenty of people that claim to be good Kitchen Remodeling contractors. It is advisable to have a good strategy in sorting through the crowd to find the best candidates. Here are three key steps you can follow to find the top choices worth considering.

1. Check Qualifications

You can start by finding recommendations from family and friends that have had home renovation work done. As mentioned, the kitchen comes with a variety of hazards related to gas, fire, electricity, and water all being found in the same space. For anyone that will work in the kitchen, and especially when they will touch on these areas, they must have the requisite training, licenses, and insurance. Always ask for certifications to ensure the company is qualified and permitted to do the work intended.

Another way to ascertain qualification is through references. Ask for referrals from homeowners who have recently enjoyed their services. Also, look up online reviews on home service sites like Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor. Here you will often find that portals like HomeAdvisor Pro and Thumbtack Pro have carried out a background check and there are detailed reviews that can reassure you of your choice.

These platforms are also a good place to start in finding candidates as you can do some research on their profiles and review bids from contractors whose profiles best match the type of work you want to be done. A strong profile will include reviews that have before and after pictures so you can get a better idea of the contractor’s abilities.

2. Assess Talent

Checking out the contractor’s portfolio on home service sites and their own website is a good way to see if they are truly capable of actualizing your vision.  You can get a good feel for the variety of styles they work best on and sample their creativity.

It is also advisable to discuss with the contractor before entering into any contract. The rapport you establish during this phase of consultation will likely set the tone for how you will relate as the project progresses. How attentively they listen to your desires and respond with ideas can give a good idea of how much importance they attach to client satisfaction.

Where possible, ask to visit a recent and older project to ensure they are still currently working and to review how well an earlier remodel has held up. A good contractor normally has no problem with potential clients wanting to see previous projects they have completed.

3. Plan The Project

Once you have narrowed down to a few top contenders, you should have received a detailed bid. This is a chance to review the costs indicated and ensure your budget covers it. Do not be afraid to go out and make your own inquiries as to what materials cost and compare with the quotation you have been provided with. Eliminate any bids that are far outside the normal range, whether higher or lower as this may mean some shady dealing.

Once you have settled on a top choice, be sure there is a written contract in place. This ensures both parties’ interests are protected. It should cover such areas as how payments are to be made, itemized costs, materials to be used, and estimated time frame to completion. Go through the contract carefully and seek clarification if there are areas you are not clear on.

When it comes to payment, it is not a good idea to accept a contract that calls for a large upfront payment. The best contractors have established relationships with hardware suppliers and sub-contractors, and can often source materials and services on credit. Be sure to settle on money matters right from the start to avoid conflicts later.