5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Kitchen Remodel Design Team

Written by Scott Merriman Posted On Sunday, 26 November 2023 00:00

Are you considering hiring a kitchen to remodel design team in your area to update your cooking and entertaining space? You want to make sure that you're investing your kitchen remodeling money in the right place then.

Before putting money down for a deposit on your new kitchen remodel, you need to look at several factors including the years of experience, previous customer reviews, availability, option for cabinets, flooring, and other components, and the cost.

1. How Many Years of Experience Does Your Kitchen Contractor Have?

It doesn't matter if you're doing a small kitchen remodel project or if you're looking at completing a total overhaul; in every situation, you want to hire a kitchen contractor that has the experience to get the job done the right way the first time. While every kitchen contractor and design team has to start from somewhere, you are taking a significant risk allowing someone that hasn't been in business very long to do the work.

The ideal way to select a kitchen remodeling company that has enough knowledge and skill to assist you is by looking at those that have at least five years of work in the industry. That says that they have been able to keep their operation up and going through providing quality work to their customers. If they weren't capable of doing what they say they can, then the likelihood of them still being operational after five years isn't very high.

Additionally, if you select a kitchen design team that isn't well-established yet, you could be asked to pay for some or all of the cost of your new kitchen up front. While in some instances there is no issue with getting the work done that way, it's another risk you're taking. After you pay your kitchen contractor, there's no reason for them to hurry up and get the work done, or do it all, unfortunately. You could be stuck with an unfinished kitchen remodel for much longer than you expected, or they could disappear with your money.

2. Are There Enough Positive Customer Reviews On Your Kitchen Design Team?

Thanks to technology, the internet, and social media, it isn't hard to find out what other customers experienced when working with a specific kitchen remodeling company. All you really have to do is type in the name of the kitchen contractor you're considering, and within seconds you'll see anything positive or negative that others have said about them. While you have to be careful if the reviews seem like they might be scripted, if there are poor ones, you can trust that they are factual.

If there aren't any reviews on the kitchen contractor at all, that should also make you leery of hiring them. They might not have as many years of experience as they claim, or perhaps they had to change their name because of all the negative things people were sharing about them. Negative reviews online are nearly impossible to get rid of, so kitchen contractors that have them have been known to change the name of their business instead of trying to get rid of them.

You can always skip the internet entirely and go off what you're family and friends say, but if nobody you know has gotten a kitchen remodel done, the word-of-mouth technique might not get you back many responses.

3. Will Your Selected Kitchen Design Experts Be Available?

Some of the best kitchen contractors near you are likely going to be booked out several weeks, months, or even longer in advance. Think about when you want the project done. Also, take into consideration how long you are going to want the kitchen design team in your home. There are plenty out there that will be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long it's going to take from start to completion. If they hesitate on being able to share the details with you, then you could be looking at a company that isn't dedicated to completing the job promptly.

When do your research, look for kitchen contractors that have guarantees on their time projections. Many of them will even offer a discount or money back if they go over their time terms. Those are the ones that you can bet will get the job done when they say they will.

4. Does Your Kitchen Contractor Have the Options You're Looking For?

You might be inclined to think that every kitchen contractor in your area can complete the same tasks and offer you whatever materials and products you want. That isn't necessarily true. Some kitchen remodeling companies will only handle cabinets and flooring, for instance, while others are capable of completely changing the footprint of the room. Here in the Treasure Valley area where our company operates, North Star Kitchen and Bath Remodels pride ourselves in being a full-service remodeling company, that can handle just about any kitchen remodel customers are looking for.

Check for kitchen contractors that will give you personal attention, and preferably your very own design team or expert to work alongside from the start to the finish of the job. That way, you can have someone that you will be able to easily describe any custom kitchen cabinets, flooring options, countertop choices, and appliances you have in mind. They should be able to quickly offer you alternatives or let you know that it's not something that they are capable of doing.

Select a kitchen remodeling company near you that starts you off with a free estimate. That's when you can go over in detail exactly what you have in mind, and you'll know right away if they're going to be able to get the job done for you or not. With a free estimate, if they can't, you're not out any money.

5. What is Your New Kitchen Design Going to Cost?

The last thing you want to think about is cost. You don't want to pay prices that are way out of the ballpark compared to the other ones, but you should never go with the cheapest one you find either. If a kitchen remodeling company can offer you a meager price in comparison to the rest you've looked at, it's likely they are cutting corners on quality, labor, or the processes that they use.

It is recommended to get at least three different quotes before choosing any one company to work with. That way, you can have a clear idea of how the kitchen design and remodeling industry works, and you can get the results you deserve for your investment.


Scott Merriman is the owner of North Star Kitchen and Bath Remodels which operates in Boise and the greater treasure valley area.  He has over 18 years of experience working in the remodeling industry and knows how to bring the most value to any remodel when a realtor or homeowner is looking to buy or sell.

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