How to Hire a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

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.

How to Find a Kitchen Remodel 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.

What to Do Before Hiring a Kitchen Remodeler

Follow these prep steps before hiring a kitchen remodeling pro.

1. Plan Out Your Kitchen Redesign Project to Get Accurate Quotes

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:

• Countertop material

• Backsplash design and material

• Sink material and size 

• Wood type for kitchen cabinets

• Number of new kitchen cabinets

• Preferred cabinet door style

• Flooring material

• 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.

2. Set Your Budget

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.

3. Check Contractors’ Credentials

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.  

4. Review Their Work and Read Reviews

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. 

5. Questions to Ask Your Pro

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?

Tips for Hiring a Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

When you’re ready to start the hiring process, keep these tips in mind to get the best-quality work.

Get a Contract and Arrange Payments

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

Meet Contractors and Get In-Person Quotes for Your Project

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.

Always Double-Check Licensing and Insurance

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. 

Ask About Ways to Save Money

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

Keep Records

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.

Red Flags to Look for When Hiring a Kitchen Remodeler

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

After Your Kitchen Remodel Contractor Has Finished

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.

How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? 

Homeowners can expect their kitchen remodeling costs to hover around $27,000 on average. What you actually pay depends on the project scope, the cost of labor in your area, the size of your kitchen, and your chosen materials.

For instance, minor updates like new appliances or replacing a modestly sized countertop can cost as little as $3,500. However, removing walls to create an open kitchen space can cost over $40,000.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You may be one of many ambitious DIYers eager to remodel their kitchens. But we would be remiss if we didn't share that the project is incredibly complex, requiring expertise in plumbing, carpentry, tile installation, and kitchen design. In some instances, building permits are necessary to ensure the work is up to code and completed by licensed professionals. 

While we all know doing things yourself can make a project more affordable, professional kitchen remodelers have the experience, tools, and access to quality materials to help avoid costly mistakes. Plus, they can ensure your new kitchen is visually pleasing and fully functional, making your home more enjoyable.