Maybe you recently decided to update your kitchen. But with the number of so-called home design experts in Hudson, how do you really know which one is right for your project? Here are eight questions to ask your kitchen remodeling contractor before hiring them.
Do you have proof of your current business license?
Even today, an alarming number of contractors do not have the proper licensing. Sure, they might have a license number on their website or be willing to provide a business card upon request. But the reality is that neither of these are enough to verify their expertise.
You need proper proof of a current business license — period. If the contractor is reluctant to provide such information for whatever reason, it’s probably best to move on to the next one on your list. You can also check with the local building department to see if the contractor’s license is, in fact, current.
Are you bonded and insured?
Just because a contractor might have a current business license doesn’t mean they’re also properly insured and bonded. Think of it this way: if the worker makes a mistake for any reason while on the job or fails to complete the project altogether, their insurance prevents you from being on the hook. A red flag should go up in your head if you find that your contractor of choice is not covered accordingly.
Do you have current liability insurance?
Speaking of being covered, liability insurance is a must-have for kitchen remodeling contractors. It doesn’t matter whether a worker incurs a minor injury or something more serious — your homeowner’s insurance premiums shouldn’t be on the line just because the incident happened on your property. So put your mind at ease and double-check their liability insurance before moving forward with the rest of the process.
Are you in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
By this point, you’ve (hopefully) verified the contractor’s business license and liability insurance. But you aren’t quite done checking that their operation is in good standing. At St. Croix Cabinet Solutions, we suggest making sure the business has no pending “unresolved” issues with the BBB.
Are you affiliated with any industry organizations?
Affiliations with local building associations speak to a contractor’s industry experience and reputation. It’s safe to say that a kitchen remodeling contractor with several of these affiliations understands the space inside and out. Now is a good time to mention that St. Croix Cabinet Solutions is a Lead-Safe Certified Firm under the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
How much experience do you have with kitchen remodels?
There’s no question that general contractors are the Swiss army knife of home improvement. What many homeowners don’t realize, though, is that updating a kitchen requires specialized expertise. You probably don’t want to hire someone with minimal kitchen remodeling experience, even if they have years of experience as a general contractor under their belt.
Do you have references available?
Maybe you’ve found that a contractor checks all the boxes when it comes to insurance, licensing, affiliations, and experience. But wouldn’t it be nice to know what others think of their work? If you come across a worker’s reference page and notice a trend of bad reviews, you should probably think twice about hiring them.
Can you work within my budget?
The best kitchen remodeling professionals are the ones that will tailor their services based on what a customer is able to spend. We suggest steering clear of contractors that press you for moving forward with more costly, unnecessary work. Here at St. Croix Cabinet Solutions, you can feel comfortable knowing we have options for every budget.
The Top Choice For Custom Cabinets In Hudson
Have you been searching for a dependable kitchen remodeling expert in Hudson? Look no further than the team at St. Croix Cabinet Solutions! Whether you’re in need of replacement cabinets, cabinet refacing, or kitchen and bathroom countertops, we’ve got you covered.
Don’t make the mistake of hiring just anyone to tackle your next project! Learn more about our designer kitchens in Hudson today and get in touch with one of our friendly contractors.