7 questions to ask your kitchen remodel contractor

We have 7 key questions to ask when finding the right contractor to remodel your kitchen. Remodeling a kitchen can be expensive and even daunting. You'll want to make sure you've asked several key questions before agreeing to work with a top tier contractor. Read for more.

Top 7 questions to ask your kitchen contractor

1. Are you licensed and insured to start and complete my project?

It's good advice to ask your contractor to show that they are, in fact, licensed and insured in the state of Texas. They must be in order for any remodeling to take place. Have them show you their licensing and ensure that it is up-to-date.

2. Get an idea of how many subcontractors will be working on your kitchen renovation?

It's completely fine to ask your contractor how many people will be working on your remodel. You could even ask for a list of the people who will be performing the kitchen remodel. Find out if all of the installers, cabinet makers, electricians, painters, and carpenters are employees or possibly subcontracted out. It’s good practice to ensure that all subcontractors are covered by worker’s compensation and even disability insurance.

3. Find out who will end up being your main point of contact for your remodel.

Many homeowners go into a remodel thinking they know who their main point of contact will be. Only to get the runaround when things start rolling. Make sure you establish who will be in contact with you throughout the build, and make sure to ask what kinds of updates and communication you can expect throughout the remodel. Tell your point of contact that you want to have updates every 2-3 days.

4. Make sure to ask for a detailed and itemized bid.

This is almost always assumed to be done, but can often fall through the cracks with the excitement of a new kitchen remodel. Always request an itemized bid; this will show you all of the costs for the various aspects of the job, such as:

The initial demolition and hauling out the debris

Framing work and finished carpentry

Appliances and cost

Plumbing work needed

All Electrical work

Tiling and/or other floor coverings and installations

Lighting fixtures and placements

Drywall and painting costs

Having this bid helps you compare different contractors and their prices. This way, if you decide the need to cut costs, you will be able to easily figure out your options. An itemized bid becomes a very valuable document regarding the scope of your project and, in many cases may eliminate disputes later.

5. It's another good point to ask who the contractor’s suppliers are.

It’s not always necessary to ask this, but it is often nice to know from whom your contractors are making purchases. Do they use name brands, other companies that are reputable, or more generic brands? It is acceptable to conduct research on their suppliers and product reviews. Almost all contractors have relationships with their suppliers. Along with asking for homeowner references, it’s good to ask if the contractor can provide supplier references from:

Who they use for their tile shops

Other Kitchen and bath remodels

Lumber yards

Electricians they work with

Plumbers they use

6. Remember to ask your contractor how the payment structure will work. Will you need to pay 25% or 50% upfront? Can you make progress payments?

7. Finally you will want to ask how their design process work

Find out if the contractor himself will provide the designs, or do they work with a professional design company (preferred)? Many kitchen contractors are spending a lot of their time running their actual businesses and having to manage several projects. It’s a good idea to ask your kitchen contractor why they are recommending any design and what motivated them to come up with their ideas for your kitchen. Now, depending on your project and how complex it will be, you may want a contractor that has relationships with top home and kitchen design companies.