Protect your kitchen remodeling investment before hiring any kitchen contractor to turn your kitchen renovation plans into a dream come true. Your best protection, aside from thorough research for the right remodeling contractor, is a detailed contractor contract. Or, at the very least, a completely filled-in standard work contract form. Signed by both parties, of course.
After you have researched for a good kitchen remodeling contractor and compiled a list of likely candidates, meet with each individual. Make sure that all kitchen contractor insurance requirements are met. Note: Contractor insurance requirements for a kitchen remodeler may differ from state to state. Check online to determine your state’s requirements. Contact the Secretary of State to ensure each kitchen remodeling contractor is registered and can legally conduct business in that state.
Check to ensure that the contractor’s insurance requirements are up-to-date, their skill and experience level meet your expectations, and that references check out. You will also want to go over the kitchen renovation plans and touch on expected labor and construction costs. Don’t be too quick to conclude that kitchen designer school certification is better than self-cultivated on-the-job training. Hands-on experience can be every bit as instructive as formal education. And don’t forget, each kitchen renovation contractor must pass a comprehensive exam before receiving a license.
Next, weed out any kitchen remodeler that does not meet your criteria. Obtain a formal bid for kitchen renovation costs and a rough project plan outline from each remaining kitchen contractor. and written proof that contractor insurance requirements are met. For your own protection, even after selecting a kitchen renovation contractor, check at intervals to ensure remodeling contractor insurance requirements remain current for the duration of the project. Notation of this requirement should be included in the kitchen contractor’s contract.
Verify the skill and level of kitchen remodeling contractor’s training; whether from formal kitchen designer training, apprenticeship, or other on-the-job experience. (I.e., diplomas, certificates, testimonials, or references from previous employers and clients). Also closely inspect each candidate’s kitchen remodeling work portfolio; ask questions for clarification.
Once you have made a final kitchen remodeler selection, schedule another meeting. This time to finalize arrangements and pinpoint each aspect of the kitchen renovation plans. Then draw up a formal contractor contract agreement.
Depending upon the extent and complexity of your new kitchen renovation plans, select the type of contractor contract that works best. Whether a standard work contract form or a unique kitchen contractor contract, free contractor contract forms are available online, or else pre-printed sample contractor contracts.
Building contractor contracts should outline contractor insurance requirements. and any promises or agreements—spoken or implied. Remember, oral contractor contracts are only as good as the paper they are written on. Getting everything in writing is the only way to protect the interests of both parties.
Disputing verbal contract issues is always time-consuming, energy-draining, and unnecessary—with no guarantee of outcome. Note: free contractor contract forms and pre-printed sample contractor contracts are readily available. And self-written building contractor contracts are relatively easy to develop.
