Shopping for the Kitchen Contractor – Part I

First, let me say here and make it perfectly clear that there is no defined formula for finding the right contractor for your project. This article, however, should help you to eliminate SOME of the bad ones. Even the best contractors sometimes can give some trouble. Let no one give you any illusion about that.{{more}}

This is a very important key step. You want to make sure that the contractor is capable and he/she captures the vision for your space properly so that they can execute it to your specification. These are some things you can do to mitigate some uncertainties with your new contractor.

GET YOUR LIST

Make a list of contractors in your area. It is normally recommended that you find someone in your area or one who is in close proximity to your area. That way, you can reduce costs, and in case of any problems, you would have a support structure near to you.

That rule only applies if you have choices. Do not let that make you compromise on your kitchen, however. If you have to bring in someone to get what you want, then do it.

You do not want your list to be made up of 100 or so contractors, so you need to narrow that list. I’ll give you some criteria or acid tests to use to get to a short list of about 5 people, moving you closer to that magic number… ONE!

ACID TEST

1. LOCATION: try to work with the companies closest to you, especially if you are doing a kitchen that would require more than just a flat pack kitchen shipped to you and fit up, almost a do-it-yourself (DIY).

2. CREDENTIALS: check out some of the work that this company did, the quality of the work, the time it takes to complete and the flexiblity they offer. Ask some of their past customers about them to find out the relationship after the work is completed. Usually this is not a fair criteria because some relationships get murky after the jobs, and it can be the fault of the company as well as it can be the fault of the customer. Find out anyway and make your own judgements.

3. INTERVIEW: Meet and talk with the designer. Get a feel of what they are like. This is a crucial eliminator fact. Nothing beats the feel of sitting in front of the person and interacting to see if you are comfortable with them. It is called “Gut Feel”. Use it! When they open their mouth to talk about your project, you would know if you want them to be a part of it or not. The way they shake your hands and how knowledgeable they are about their field and what you are asking them to do should also be considered. You would have an idea about this because you read the first step in this process “planning and research”.

To be continued.

Angelica and Rayan James
Exclusive Kitchens
494 2579 / 532 6756
www.exclusivekitchensvc.com