Remodeling a bathroom or kitchen is always an exciting time, but it can become stressful if something goes wrong. Anything wrong during the process of remodeling can lead to a longer construction process or can lead to issues that are costly to fix. Therefore it is better to hire the right cabinet company in order to help you through the procedure of remodeling.
Now you must be thinking about how to hire the right cabinet company? The first thing to consider while hiring the cabinet company is “trust.” We all decide on a budget for remodeling the kitchen, and hiring a disreputable, unlicensed, or unprofessional can destroy your budget.
It is difficult to find a professional and trustworthy cabinet company that is honest and experienced in the profession. Below mentioned are some of the tips to hire the right cabinet company.
Make a List of Contractors
Developing a list of cabinet contractors is the best way to start. Make a list of contractors providing cabinet installation services in your locality. Ask your friends and family members for references. Taking referrals from people who have already taken the cabinet installation service helps in hiring the right cabinet contractor.
You can search for contractors by asking the family or friends and can make a list using word-of-mouth referrals, co-workers, and neighbors. You can also use google to search for contractors and make a list.
Before making a list, remember that when you hire a cabinet company, you buy service as well as the products. Therefore, it is essential to hire a professional cabinet company as the quality of service will define the quality of the finished project.
Review the Business Ratings of the Contractor
Reviews of the customers are the best way to collect information about the cabinet company. It will not only provide you information regarding the quality of the service but will also help you in hiring the right contractor.
Now the next question is where to get the customer reviews about the cabinet installers and cabinet contractors. There is a wide range of review sites available on the internet. You can visit the sites; they contain ratings as well as reviews for the cabinet companies. The websites also contain information regarding the experience of the customers with cabinet companies.
While making a list, make sure you put insured and licensed contractors on your list. Licensing standards differ according to countries, but there are varied authorised organisations in the countries that provide certification to the cabinet contractors.
Also, check the online conversations of the cabinet companies with the customers and make a note of how they try to solve the problems of their customers. These online conversations will provide you a glimpse of the customer service.
Inform the Contractors About Your Requirements
In order to get the service as per your expectations and demands, inform the cabinet installer about your requirements. Feel comfortable to provide them detailed information about your project. If you want the installation of any specific kind of material to inform the cabinet manufacturer about it and also tell about the brand if you have any in mind.
Clear and detailed communication with the cabinet installer will help better explain the project and goals. You can communicate the cabinet company regarding the below-mentioned things
- Kitchen design
- Types of cabinets
- Brand and material of countertop
- Material and brand of flooring
- Placement of switches and outlets
- Timeline of the project
Ask Questions to the Prospective Contractors
Asking questions is the best way to know the contractors and their services, so feel free to ask questions. While asking questions, keep in mind that you and your contractor will be making decisions together during the project.
Asking questions is the best way to connect with the cabinet contractor. Below mentioned are some of the questions that you can ask the cabinet company.
- What is their business history?
Getting information about the business history of the contractor can make you sure about their reputation and legitimacy.
- What are the payment terms?
Payment terms of the cabinet company vary according to the scope of the work. Generally, the contractor asks to deposit 30-50% of the total amount and budget. It is advised not to pay the entire amount before completion of the project. Hold a specific amount of money until the completion of the project.
- What are the contract terms and conditions?
Misunderstandings are common in complex projects like kitchen remodeling. A contract with detailed terms and conditions can help you in clearing the expectation with each other.
The contract should be highly specific and should contain detail regarding each step of the project. It should also include the expected completion date.
- What is the process for changing orders?
Change orders are a common part of kitchen projects, so make sure that each change order term is agreed upon by everyone. Clearly mention the change, time, adjustments, and the price. It will help you in avoiding misunderstandings.
Request Bids
Ask your contractor for at least three bids that you are comfortable with. Ask the cabinet contractor to comprise a breakdown of price and the anticipated date for starting and finishing the project. Throw out the bids that are either overpriced or underpriced as compared to others. This would help you in knowing whether the contractor is overcharging you.
When you get close to making a final decision, contact the previous customers and references before making the final decision. It is time-consuming to make the calls, but it is worth the efforts. The information provided by the customers can help you in avoiding the sufferings.
Make a Contract
Read the contract carefully before signing it. Feel free to bargain the details before signing the contract. The contract should include below mentioned:
- Names, phone numbers, and addresses of the labor and material suppliers
- Daily working hours
- Details about the start and estimated finish date of the project
- Itemized pricing of the materials
- Itemized pricing by the labor
- Terms of payment
- Documentation regarding the licensing, insurance, and bonding
