So you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen and have done your research. Several kitchen remodelers have visited her home and made offers, and she is now trying to decide the best way forward. She would like the project to stay close to her budget and not have a lot of unexpected costs at the end. Here are some things to look for and some questions to ask before choosing a remodeler and proceeding with the project:

1. Proposals must be in writing and provide all required details. The offer must not be verbal or handwritten on a piece of paper.
2. The revision of the proposal should be an “apples to apples” comparison. Are all the contractors bidding for the same work to be done, and the same style and quality of material? Of course, a bid on ready-made oak cabinets will be less than a bid on well-made cherry cabinets.
3. Are there significant details that describe the work to be completed so that you clearly understand what will be done? The proposal must say more than; “Install New Floor”. What? On top of the old floor? What type of floor? Does the offer say that all the work will be done to code? You deserve details and a qualified remodeler should be able to provide them.
4. What is a qualified remodeler? How long have they been in business? Are they insured? Are they licensed? What does the Better Business Bureau say about them or one of the customer based quality review websites? Have they been involved in litigation?
5. What happens to the garbage? Will the contractor have a container on site, use a shipping service, or leave it in your yard for you to deal with? The proposal must specify how the garbage will be disposed of.
6. The proposal should not only detail the obvious material of the project, such as cabinets, countertops and flooring, construction, plumbing and electrical supplies, but also who is providing them. You or the remodeler.
7. Smaller items should also be included in the proposal, such as cabinet door knobs and/or pulls, under-cabinet lights, backsplash tiles, and assorted trim.
8. Are you going to act as a general contractor and manage all the subcontractors or are you going to hire a general contractor? What labor is included? Is it the disconnection and reconnection of your appliances and plumbing? When do you need to introduce yourself? Throughout the project, for the delivery of materials, template and installation of the countertop? Has the contractor asked how to contact you in case of problems?
9. Who is doing the work? Does the remodeler have employees or is everything outsourced? Are subcontractors licensed and insured? Has the remodeler asked for subcontractors, such as electricians or plumbers, to come in for a survey to provide an accurate estimate? Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance a Concern? You don’t want to be sued if someone is injured and there is no insurance.
10. If you’re acting as a general contractor, who will fix the drywall if the electricians or plumbers need to open it? Do not assume they will repair the drywall.
11. Is the price of the project all included? Are taxes, shipping and handling charges, and permits included in the price? Many municipalities require permits to be submitted prior to the start of a project. Has a payment schedule been established? What is the payment schedule based on: work completed, material delivered, or some arbitrary scheme?
12. Is there a process defined in the proposal for changes to the scope and cost of the project? Do you have a tentative project schedule that says when work will start? will the materials be delivered and lists the important milestones of the project?
13. Does the written contract match the final proposal in terms of scope of work, materials, and price?

If any of these items are missing or unclear, go back to your remodelers and have them fix it. Make sure you understand the project and what each remodeler is proposing. Items numbered 1-13 are intended to help create a professional business relationship with your remodeler. Problems always arise on every project, but being prepared ahead of time makes it easier to find solutions. Good luck!