What to Ask Your Contractor When Remodeling Your Kitchen

There’s no doubt about it, kitchen renovations are expensive! This is why you want to ensure that you have a contractor team that will not only help make your vision come true but will also help guide you along the way, providing you with the information and advice that you need to make this a worthwhile investment.

To make sure that you have the right team for your renovation project, below is a list of some of the key questions to ask. These questions will not only help you pick a contractor that will easily get the job done, and on time, but will also help you find a team that you work well with. 

So, if you have your budget and plans ready, let’s move on to finding the right contractor in the GTA that will make your dreams come true:

Are you a kitchen specialist and can I see some of your previous work?

There’s a great deal to note and be aware of when renovating your kitchen, from plumbing to electrical to the overall flow of the room. This is why it is essential to work with a local kitchen specialist, to ensure that nothing gets overlooked and everything is up to code. 

You’ll also want to ask for images of previous work that they’ve done within your area. This way you’ll be able to get a sense of their level of expertise, as well as whether or not they’ll be able to complete what you have in mind.

Will I be able to use my kitchen at all during the renovation?

A key question to ask! This will help you keep in mind the additional costs of renovating your kitchen. If the contractor says you’re okay to use it, you know you’ll still have a kitchen (or at least part of one) to cook with. If not, you’ll have to take into consideration the additional costs of ordering food or developing meals elsewhere.

Are you licensed and insured?

It’s important to know that the contractor who will be conducting your renovation is licensed to do so within your area. In addition, you’ll want proof of their insurance and bonding. This helps to cover you so that if any work is poorly done or not up to code, you can rest assured knowing that you’re also covered.

How long will the project take?

It’s important to have a clear-cut timeline as to when the project will start and when it will be completed, as well as all the big milestones along the way. Some additional follow up questions that we would recommend asking are the following:

• How will you deal with any material delays along the way?
• Are you working on any other projects that may affect the timeline of ours?
• Can I count on you to update me right away if the deadline changes?

How much input can I add to the kitchen design?

Of course, you’ll want to rely on your designer and contractor team (or just your contractors) to help make your vision come to life. However, when it comes to choosing slabs of material, paint colours, and appliances, you’ll want your say. Make sure that the contractor is open and comfortable with you adding your opinions and ideas into the mix, and tagging along on any material appointments. While they are the ones completing the project, it still is your kitchen! 

And if you’d rather the team handle all the work, be sure to let the contractor know. That way you can rest assured knowing that the contractor is able and confident to make the design decisions that are necessary.

Can I get an itemized bid?

This question is super important! An itemized bid will lay out, item by item, how much the job will cost. This will allow you to compare against other contractors, see who the best option is for you and your budget, as well as ask any questions as to why certain jobs are priced as they are.

When it comes to your home and your renovation projects, you want to feel confident knowing you made the right choice in your contractor. These questions will truly help outline the skills of the team, their capabilities, what it is like to work with them, and any other additional costs and considerations you’ll need to think of. While it’s exciting to get started, it is a huge investment and one that needs to be taken seriously.

Of course, if you’re in the GTA and ready to dive in, we’re here to help! Contact us today to set up a consultation call and we’ll be happy to answer any and every question you may have.