How to Interview Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
You've narrowed down the list of remodeling contractors for your kitchen renovation. Now comes the tricky part: the interviews. What should you ask the contractor's about his or her expertise and your kitchen renovation ideas?
When you meet contractors, inquire about their:
A kitchen renovation is an exciting project. Take the time to ask each remodeling contractor important questions before hiring one. You'll learn a lot about kitchen renovations and how each contractor works.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
Contractor Interviews Are Key
Your initial interviews with remodeling contractors are important, as they provide details about the contractors' experience. Pay attention to the contractors':- Professionalism. Do the contractors arrive on time? Do they take notes about your kitchen renovation and seem interested in the project?
- Attention to detail. Do the contractors remember previous phone conversations about your kitchen renovation goals?
- Response to specific kitchen renovation questions. The contractor may not know exact cost estimates, but should be able to give you answers about price ranges your kitchen renovation.
When you meet contractors, inquire about their:
- Kitchen renovation experience. How many kitchen renovations do they do each year? How long have they been working as contractors?
- Work philosophy. Is their focus on the design and function, or simply completing 100 kitchen renovations each year?
- Business sense. Do they know how to schedule other contractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.) so the kitchen renovation moves smoothly?
Kitchen Renovation Questions
After the preliminary questions are squared away, discuss the details of how your kitchen renovation would proceed. Ask the contractor:- How long it takes to get a building permit for a kitchen renovation. This will give you an idea of when the construction can start.
- About the stages of a kitchen renovation, including planning, demolition, etc. How much disruption can you expect during each kitchen renovation stage?
- When payments are due. Contractors typically ask for 10 to 15 percent down, then additional payments following various kitchen renovation stages. This will help you budget and plan.
A kitchen renovation is an exciting project. Take the time to ask each remodeling contractor important questions before hiring one. You'll learn a lot about kitchen renovations and how each contractor works.
About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
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