Planning the Remodeling of a Kitchen
There two different ways to go about a kitchen project, whether you just need to replace a leaky faucet or you want a complete remodel. You can do the work yourself or you can hire a professional.
We’ve geared this article toward a large kitchen remodel and a homeowner who plans to hire a professional. However, even if you’re hiring someone to simply replace a faucet, many of the questions below can still apply. You need to make sure the professional is dependable, thorough and can help you understand the work. And, if you plan to take on a kitchen project yourself, the questions will make you aware of factors you need to consider before you begin.
What Should You Ask a Kitchen Remodel Contractor?
Once you decide to hire someone to handle your kitchen project:
- You can hire a contractor yourself.
- You can let Lowe’s design your kitchen.
We’ll give you some of the top questions for contractors and show you how Lowe’s can help you with your kitchen project.
12 Questions for Contractors: Hiring for a Kitchen Project
1. Can you provide your state license number?
You should only select kitchen contractors who are licensed to do the work in your state. A licensed contractor has completed required tests and should understand the requirements for the work. Your area may require some work to be done by a licensed professional.
2. Are you bonded?
If the professional is properly bonded and there’s a problem paying subcontractors, you won’t be responsible for the payments. Hiring a bonded professional can also protect you from financial loss if the contractor doesn’t complete the job. In many cases, state licensing requires a contractor to be bonded.
3. Are you insured?
If a contractor isn’t insured, you might be responsible for any accidents, injuries or damage that occurs on your property during the project. It’s common for contractors to use subcontractors for at least some of this work, so make sure they’re covered by the contractor’s insurance.
4. How much experience do you have with this type of kitchen project?
Kitchen projects can include a wide variety of work from electrical and plumbing to painting and floor installation, so make sure your contractor and their subcontractors have experience with the type of work you have planned.
5. Can you share references and examples of your work?
A contractor should be able to demonstrate they have satisfied customers and should be happy to show examples of other projects they’ve completed. Examples of successful work might even give you some kitchen renovation ideas.
6. What warranties come with the work?
Make sure you understand the warranties (and any limits or exclusions) that are available for the work, as well as warranties for the products that will be part of the project.
7. What’s included in the project?
You should have a detailed breakdown of the work, as well as cost estimates for the work, materials and products.
8. What are the timelines and potential delays?
You need to know specifics about how long the project will last so you can plan for your kitchen to be unavailable. It’s also a good idea to understand the factors that can slow or stop the work and how the contractor will deal with delays.
9. Will you get necessary permits and set up inspections?
Some projects will require permits and inspections. A contractor should be able to identify these for you and tell you if handling permits and inspections is part of the work they quote you.
10. What can I expect throughout the project?
You’ll want to know who will be in your home, when to expect them, what they’ll be doing and more. The kitchen will probably be unavailable to you during the work. The water or power may be shut off temporarily throughout the project. There will be equipment, tools and materials in and around your home. The workers may need to take steps to keep dust out of living spaces. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it can minimize the impact on your family. Finally, make sure you know what happens when the work is done and who is responsible for cleanup of the job site, disposal of debris, any necessary setup of appliances, etc.
11. What’s the best way to communicate with you?
The manager or contractor probably won’t be on site for all of the work. You need to know how to get in touch if problems or questions arise, since the workers onsite may not be able to or have the authority to address your concerns.
12. What are the down payment requirements and payment options?
Make sure you’re very clear on what you’re paying and what you’re paying for, as well as when and how you need to pay it.
When Lowe’s Helps With the Remodeling of a Kitchen
When Lowe’s handles the design and installation for your kitchen project, you can avoid asking many of these questions.
- Lowe’s handles selecting and vetting independent, licensed and insured professionals from your area, so you can be comfortable you’re working with an experienced installer.
- Installation projects through Lowe’s are backed by a one-year labor warranty.
- If you’re planning a remodel, we’ll connect you with a Lowe’s kitchen specialist who will work with you to plan the kitchen you want.
- The kitchen specialist will discuss your plans, budget, timeline and more and you’ll receive a 3D rendering of your dream kitchen.
- We’ll connect you with a local independent installer.
- The independent pros we use handle measurements for your new kitchen and you’ll receive a quote for the job.
- Once you accept the quote, you can schedule your installation.
- Your installer will complete the project and clean up the work area.
- Your installer will explain product warranties and help with any setup.
See our kitchen installation services and schedule a free virtual design consultation.
Lowe’s Kitchen Installation Services
We can help with a wide range of kitchen projects, from sink and faucet installation to a complete makeover. Available services vary by location but can include:
Things You Should Do Before Hiring for a Kitchen Remodel
Before you begin a project, you need a budget and a plan.
Know Your Budget
Plan how much you want to spend on the project. You can scale your plans according to your budget, but decide on a budget and maintain it. In addition to considering how much you can afford, you’ll want to think about a return on investment for the work. If you’re renovating to resell, focus on costs that you can recover when you sell. If you are remodeling to create a dream kitchen and have no plans to move, you might be willing to spend more to get a space you’ll love and that will work for you now and several years down the road.
You should make sure you have some budget set aside for the unexpected. You may want this to be as much as 20% of your total budget. Factors can include:
- Damaged subflooring
- Mold damage
- Lead testing and removal
These may not be apparent until after the work has started and they can all add significant costs to your project.
Depending on your project, you may also have expenses from meals, hotel costs and even rental of storage space. You may need to outfit a temporary cooking area in your home. Make sure you factor these costs into your budget.
Have a Detailed Plan
Have your plan as specific as possible. In addition to accurate measurements of your space, you’ll also want to know details on products you plan to use, including:
- Appliances
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Lighting fixtures
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Cabinet doors
- Cabinet hardware
- Countertops
This information will help you get an accurate quote for the job.
You may want to have some alternate products picked out. As you work with a designer or contractor to create a plan, having alternates can help you adjust the job to keep it on budget.
Start the Renovation of a Kitchen: Ideas and Inspiration
Whichever route you choose for your kitchen project, we can help you get started.
- Our design tools help you plan and visualize your new kitchen and estimate the costs of different options.
- Our DIY library gives you ideas and inspiration to help you design the perfect, on-trend kitchen for your home.
