Hiring a kitchen contractor in South Florida is no easy task, especially since there are so many to choose from and some are better than others. With due diligence, however, you’ll be better able to find a contractor for your kitchen remodel who won’t rip you off or leave you with a half-finished kitchen.
Kitchen Contractor Considerations
We’ve compiled the top five considerations for hiring a kitchen contractor in South Florida so you can move forward with your kitchen remodel with confidence.
1. Seek recommendations
Although a recommendation isn’t a guarantee that the kitchen contractor will do a good job, it definitely bolsters the likelihood. Ask people you know for recommendations and check out the finished results first-hand, if possible. You should also seek recommendations online from various review platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, and Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you can’t find anything about the contractor online, it could be a red flag that it’s not a legitimate business.
2. Ask lots of questions
Once you have a list of kitchen contractors in South Florida, next you’ll need to call them to get more information. It’s essential to ask questions in order to determine their availability, reliability, how much attention your kitchen remodel will receive, and how smoothly the project will go. Here are some important questions to ask contractors:
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the last year?
- Will my project require a permit?
- May I have a list of references?
- What types of insurance do you carry?
- Will you be using subcontractors on this project?
3. Get multiple quotes
After phone interviews, select three or four contractors to get quotes from. Ask for a cost break down of materials, labor, profit margins, and other expenses. When comparing bids, don’t automatically go with the lowest bid because the contractor might cut corners. Getting multiple quotes also helps you see how well you get along with the contractor. After all, the contractor will be in your home for hours at a time and you should always feel comfortable communicating with him.
4. Set a payment schedule
Once you’ve chosen a kitchen contractor in South Florida, make sure to set a payment schedule. Be wary of contractors who ask for half of the bid upfront because it could be a sign of financial troubles or they’re nervous you won’t pay the rest after you’ve seen the work. Typically, a payment schedule starts with 10% at contract signing, three payments of 25% throughout the remodel, and the final 15% when the remodel is finished.
5. Get everything in writing
Protect yourself by having a clear contract that includes important details such as:
- Payment schedule
- Proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation payments
- Start date and projected completion date
- Specific materials and products to be used
- A requirement that the contractor obtains lien releases from all subcontractors and suppliers
A contract not only offers you some peace of mind, but it also helps everyone be on the same page throughout the kitchen remodel.
Start Your Kitchen Remodel Today
Let the expert kitchen contractors at Platinum Sand Construction remodel your South Florida kitchen into a beautiful and functional masterpiece. With over 25 years of combined experience, our licensed and insured kitchen contractors will walk you through every step of the process and answer any question. Start your kitchen remodel today when you call us at 561-299-4000 or schedule a free quote!
