So, you’ve got your heart set on a beautifully remodeled kitchen – or perhaps you simply must take care of a certain home project you’ve been putting off too long. Whatever brings you to the renovation table, a reliable and experienced kitchen contractor is the key to a successful project. The following tips will help you as you begin the renovation hiring process, from drawing up project plans to signing the final contract.

Outline your kitchen remodeling goals and budget.

Your renovation project will only be as successful as your plans (and the budget to back them up). First, consider your existing kitchen layout: measure the floor, countertops and cabinets for scope. This information will be especially useful later on, when knowing what sort of materials you’ll need, and how much they will cost.

Image credit: Interior Intuitions

Think about how you use your kitchen every day, as well as for special occasions. What is most important to you, and how could you better use the space? Then, list your remodeling goals, from simple to extravagant. Do some research to find out what each generally costs, and how materials and labor play a part in each particular renovation. Having a clear idea as to how a renovation would serve you best, and just how much you’ll have to spend to make it happen, will help as you prioritize projects.

Ask friends and family for referrals.

Your circle of friends and family is a wonderful resource for potential contractors; neighbors, too, are good places to check for referrals.  You can hear firsthand experiences from someone you know and trust. Ask if the contractor was easy to work with, if the project was completed on time and on or under budget, and of course, if they would hire the same contractor again.

Customer reviews are another great source for contractor information. Renowaze has reviews of kitchen contractors to help you decide whose services best suit your needs. You’ll also find other helpful resources like past projects, photos of kitchen designs, and professional forums on various home improvement topics.

Check up on credentials.

It’s important to verify a contracting company’s various credential claims, like licensing, certifications and insurance. Many state and local municipalities issue credentials, along with larger professional associations. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) are all industry associations for kitchen contractors.

Note that earning certifications and licenses takes time and investment from a contractor, and some of those costs will be translated in your estimate. Insurance and bonds too are costs managed by any well qualified contracting company. As such, project estimates from licensed and insured contractors are almost always higher than those without.

But be wary: saving money up front with an unlicensed and uninsured contractor could cost you big with down the road. For example, if any of your contractor’s employees got hurt while tearing down your old kitchen cabinets, you could be held financially liable for his or her compensation. With a proper professional, worker’s compensation insurance would automatically cover the incident.

Get multiple quotes.

Get at least quotes from different contractors for the same kitchen renovation. It’s important to give each contractor the same project specs, for proper comparison purposes. If estimates aren’t already listed as line items, ask to have details like materials and labor broken down by project.

You might not necessarily be able to compare apples to apples perfectly, but this will help you decide not only whose estimate is most in line with your kitchen renovation budget, but also where costs could be cut or increased.

Image credit: WA Design Architects

If all the estimates you receive are more than you’ve budgeted for, it’s time to revisit your initial kitchen remodeling plans. Ask how the design could be adjusted to meet your budget goals. Materials and labor are both factors that affect remodeling costs. Pricy granite countertops, for instance, could be subbed out by their less expensive laminate counterparts. If your Moroccan tile backsplash design is too elaborate and thus time-consuming to install, consider a more straightforward subway tile pattern.

Image credit: Smith and Vansant Architects

Getting multiple quotes also gives you the opportunity to interact with various contractors. Contractors will vary in their experience, specialty, customer service, and communication style. Keep in mind that you’ll be working with your contractor in close quarters for an extended period of time – you’ll want to have someone with whom you can communicate easily, and enjoyably, in your home.

Draw up a detailed contract.

Your final hiring decision will, of course, be influenced by a contractor’s pricing, but ease of communication is often a deciding factor in the ultimate choice. Be sure to keep communication clear by drawing up a detailed contract, so you and your contractor stay on the same page throughout the renovation process.

Image credit: Sebring Services

Your kitchen renovation contract should include project details like:

• The project estimate and payment schedule; note that rarely should you pay a large deposit up front.
• The scope of work, and if any subcontractors (like plumbers, electricians and tiling professionals) will be managing parts of the larger project.
• An outline of the site plan.
• A timeline of primary construction/installation tasks.

Your contract should also address how changes in the project will be handled (a change-order clause) and how potential disputes will be managed (a dispute resolution clause). The unexpected does happen from time to time, and it’s best to have a clear course of action outlined in advance.

Image credit: Siemasko + Verbridge

Once the contract is signed, it’s time to get your home improvement on the way! By keeping these contractor hiring tips in mind, you’ll know you’ve got a qualified and reliable professional at your side – and you’re just one project away from enjoying the kitchen of your dreams.