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Finding the Right Contractor for Your Project
The decision has finally been made to remodel the kitchen, but with little remodeling experience, what can a homeowner do? Finding a qualified contractor to complete a kitchen remodel can be the most challenging aspect of the entire renovation project. With tales of shady contractors all over the news and the Internet, knowing who to trust is not easy. The avenues suggested below will help get your started on your hunt for the perfect contractor, but ultimately, your gut feeling about him will be the deciding factor.
Recommendations from Family and Friends
Asking family and friends for recommendations is the best place to start. This group of people has little to no reason to shade the truth or steer you toward a bad contractor. Ask them to relate personal experiences with the contractor, as well as why they are recommending him. As all contractors know, word of mouth can make or break their business. A good recommendation from a trusted friend or relative is better than any advertising they could ever do in print or commercials. Although it will be necessary to enter into the estimate process with a healthy dose of skepticism, usually contractors that are recommended by a family member or friend will do a good job.
Local Connections
After asking family and friends, be on the lookout for contractors' signs around town. Pay particular attention to signs on church lawns and business properties. Jot down some of the telephone numbers of the places where the signs are located and call them to ask about the contractor's work. In many cases, particularly with churches, they will be brutally honest and give you a good indication of whether or not the contractor is someone you would like to hire. Chances are that if a contractor is doing shoddy work for a church or business, he will also do shoddy work in your kitchen remodel.
Home Improvement Stores
It may seem silly to ask local home improvement stores who they would recommend for remodeling work, but they have a unique knowledge base about the contractors who frequent their store. Although they may not be able to officially recommend someone, usually if you ask an individual salesperson he will guide you toward a contractor that he knows of. Be aware that some home improvement stores offer remodeling services and are unable to recommend anyone other than their own services. Also keep in mind that employees may personally know some of the contractors. It may not be the best place to find a contractor, but asking for names and numbers will give you a start in finding the right person to complete the remodel.
When searching for a contractor to complete your kitchen remodel, or any other projects that you have around the house, trust your instincts. That gut feeling that someone is not as truthful as they may seem or that something is just "off" about the situation, is well worth heeding. Get a handful of estimates and consider all the factors of the remodel before choosing a contractor to head up your kitchen remodel. With the right contractor the job will go smoothly, but with the wrong contractor the remodel may be a nightmare.
About the Author:
Learn more about decorating with large wall artwork and wall art sculptures from our exclusive designer and staff writer, Alyssa Davis, of Metal-Wall-Art.com.
