Make the kitchen remodel process run smoothly by finding a qualified pro
Whether you want to increase your home’s value or design a more functional cooking space, knowing how to hire a kitchen remodeling contractor is key. Picking the best professional starts with figuring out what you want to accomplish with your kitchen renovation—and the type of help you need. We’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of what to do before, during, and after hiring a local kitchen remodeling pro.
If you’re starting your search for the best kitchen remodel professional, you may not be sure where to look. Several reliable options can help you get started:
Angi’s search tools: Angi has excellent search tools for kitchen remodel pros near you. Save yourself some time and get a reliable list of contractors to help make your decision even easier.
Friends and family referrals: Personal experience is always valuable. Contact your friends and family in the area, and ask if they’ve had any great experiences with nearby contractors. You can get a few names and numbers for reliable services, and recommendations for contractors to avoid.
Industry members in your area: Several industries help coordinate kitchen remodel professionals, including the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association), and the NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). These groups can help you learn what to expect from remodelers and provide listings for local members or chapters.
Local social media groups: Look for local social media groups where you can ask questions or search for previous questions about kitchen remodeling. These groups are often easy to join and happy to provide information. Facebook, Nextdoor, Meetup, and other groups may all be of help depending on the community in your area, but be sure to thoroughly vet any leads.
Referrals from previous contractors: Did you have a remodeling or plumbing contractor that you enjoyed working with? Consider contacting them and asking for recommendations specific to your project. They may be able to handle it themselves, or they can probably recommend someone who does good work.
Factors to Consider When Vetting Contractors
Follow these prep steps before hiring a kitchen remodeling pro.
You’ve got inspiration, you’ve got ideas, and now it’s time to get into specifics. The more details you know about your kitchen remodel, the more valuable information you can provide a contractor when getting a quote. They’ll be able to provide much more specific estimates if you know what additions or changes you want. Determine these details:
Backsplash design and material
Sink material and size
Wood type for kitchen cabinets
Number of new kitchen cabinets
Preferred cabinet door style
New appliances and their sizes
Specific walls you may want to remove
Plumbing or electrical wiring additions
Surfaces or walls to paint
Measurements of the spaces you’re remodeling
While contractors may not be able to meet every demand depending on their suppliers, these details will help them provide accurate estimates and advice. Plus, you can research the choices that will add the most value for a good home improvement return on investment.
Not sure about your budget quite yet? Keep other lists of preferred materials and changes that are significantly less expensive, just in case.
Kitchen projects range in size and budget. The cost to remodel your kitchen ranges from $14,600 to $40,600, depending on the size and scope of the project, materials, labor, and permits required.
Unsure how to set a budget? A good rule of thumb is to use 10% to 25% of your home’s overall value. If your budget needs to be smaller, you can scale back the work (from a complete to a partial remodel, for example).
A complete remodel involves gutting the space and sometimes changing the floor plan.
Smaller-scale projects include partial remodels, replacing elements like countertops or flooring, or simply refacing cabinets.
A kitchen expansion may involve knocking down interior or exterior walls to expand into a living area or outdoor space.
One of the most important actions you can take before hiring a kitchen renovation pro is to ensure the contractor you're interested in is licensed and insured. There is actually a difference between "contractor" licenses and "business" licenses." Your pro should have a valid and active contractor license to do renovation work. Take it one step further and check if your would-be contractor is part of a professional organization like the National Kitchen & Bath Association or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. If they are—you're likely in good hands.
Set up meetings with potential remodelers for your project. You’ll likely need to hire the following:
A local kitchen designer to understand your needs and vision and translate it into a plan.
A general contractor near you to oversee construction, advise on budget, and hire specialists.
A local architect to develop plans for larger jobs that involve substantial structural change.
In some cases, you may find general contractors who specialize in kitchen design or kitchen designers who are also builders. You’ll only need an architect if your job involves major changes, like moving or removing walls or expanding your kitchen’s footprint.
When you have a shortlist of potential pros to hire, look up their websites and social media accounts to see what their portfolios look like. Watch for designers that offer in-depth testimonials and case studies for past work. Find your contractor’s business listings and social media accounts so you can look at their ratings, reviews, and feedback from other homeowners.
Once you set up some contractor meetings, go in prepared. Take accurate measurements of your kitchen so you can get accurate quotes. You should also develop a list of questions to ask each pro you meet with. Your research can help answer many questions, but broad topics can include:
How many years of experience do you have in kitchen remodeling?
What is your process and estimated timeline for this type of project?
What kinds of jobs have you done recently? Can you refer me to past clients?
Can you provide proof of licensure, bonding, and insurance?
Who are the subcontractors you typically work with?
What goes into your pricing model and payment schedule?
What’s the best way to communicate with you?
How often can I expect status updates?
How do you handle changes during a remodel?
Then you may also want to ask specific questions about your kitchen remodel. Questions like these will help you understand a contractor’s specific experience:
Will my kitchen remodel require any building permits?
What sort of kitchen materials do you have experience installing?
Will I still be able to use my kitchen during the project? What functions may be off limits while you’re working?
Are there any materials or redesigns for kitchens that have proven especially popular in recent years?
What will you need me to move out of the kitchen while you work?
When you’re ready to start the hiring process, keep these tips in mind to get the best-quality work.
When your kitchen remodeler provides a contract, review it carefully before you sign. Never sign a blank contract, and never assume that certain specifics are included. You and your contractor should agree on the following before signing:
The complete list of tasks your contractor will complete
How any change orders will be handled
The crew’s working hours
The amount of the down payment
The payment structure and schedule
The final payoff
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to your top contenders for the project, arrange in-person inspections if possible. You’ll want to get at least three quotes before you make a final decision on a big project.
"Having someone with extensive work experience and knowledge in the area helped us tremendously [on] our first big remodel project. Our pro walked us through the process, provided detailed documentation on what to expect, how to prepare for the remodel, and patiently answered our (endless) questions before the remodel began."
— Edith K., Tigard, OR
We mentioned checking licenses, insurance, and bonds above, but it’s a good idea to double-check these details. Ask about licensing and insurance in person when you’re getting an estimate.
Along with licensing information, you may also want to ask about a contractor’s standard warranty for remodeling work. Many professional contractors offer warranties with their contracts to help cover unexpected changes, supply issues, and other problems.
If you want to cut your budget for a kitchen remodel or save cash for top-notch kitchen appliances, always discuss your options with a contractor. They should be able to provide advice about budgeting. You may want to mention options such as:
Refinishing cabinets instead of replacing them
Choosing smaller tiles, which are often available at a more affordable rate
Switching to more affordable materials, like subbing out stone for polished ceramic, or dropping to a lower “grade” of stonework
Minimizing or simplifying your kitchen backsplash
Working with your existing structure to avoid any major plumbing or structural changes
Bundling your remodel plans together in one contract that’s finalized before work begins
As your kitchen contractor works to complete the job, keep careful records of the progress being made. Any time their team is working in your home, track the hours worked. Monitor whether they’re on schedule and take photos of the job in various stages of completion. Keep in mind that kitchen remodels take six weeks to four months to complete.
You should also keep copies of all paperwork involved in the project, including the contract itself, proof of licensing, bonding, and insurance, any invoices you receive, proof of payment made, and all letters, emails, texts, and other forms of communication.
In addition to any warnings from friends or family, watch out for warning signs so you know to move on or start taking immediate action:
Contractors who aren’t licensed or insured
Contractor who won’t provide references or testimonials
Professional who won’t provide the name or contract information of the subcontractors they use
Contractors who won’t put their estimates in writing
Contractor who pushes you to immediately sign a contract without getting comparisons
Contractor who has sub-par online ratings or reviews
Contracts that lack important details or deadlines about the project
A very low estimate that indicates a contractor is lowballing and may be trying to hide costs
Contractor who won’t take care of any necessary permits
Contractors who demand cash payments only
Contractors who don’t stick to the agreed-upon start date
When your kitchen remodel is finished, there are still a few more steps to take care of with your contractor. Don’t forget to make your final payment and walk through the remodel with your contractor to review everything that’s been completed (preferably after cleanup is finished). If the contractor did a good job, it’s always nice to leave a positive review for their business listing and possibly offer a testimonial.
