How do I find someone to remodel my kitchen?

My husband and I are looking to expand our kitchen and family room as well as remodel the kitchen, how do I go about finding a reputable person/company to do this for me?
  9 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jan 02, 2013
    There are great listings here as well as on the Networx.com site. Word of mouth is also a great place to get referrals. When people find good or bad contractors they like to share their results.
  • Elizabeth Madden Elizabeth Madden on Jan 02, 2013
    Thank you, this makes me a little nervous you know you hear all kinds of horror stories about remodeling (ie Holmes on Holmes).
  • Miriam Illions Miriam Illions on Jan 02, 2013
    Hi Elizabeth, best of luck with your project - that's very exciting! I just read this post by @Sharon Bothwell about making sure your contractor has the right insurance which I think will be helpful for you when making your hiring decision: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/remodeling-don-t-get-caught-with-your-pants-down-740923
  • Sharon Bothwell Sharon Bothwell on Jan 02, 2013
    Clients have found us through social media. Google search "kitchen remodel" kitchen renovations, "remodeling contractors" or the such for your area and do your research/homework from there. If they are on Facebook or Twitter you can follow the comments. Ask questions and request a list of references. A reputable contractor should be able to answer your questions as well as give you a list of references.
  • Elizabeth Madden Elizabeth Madden on Jan 02, 2013
    Thanks everyone, and to Sharon and Miriam I did read the blog earlier today, it was a helpful reminder. KMS Woodworks thanks for the site, I went to it and already have 3 contrators coming this week to take a look.
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Jan 03, 2013
    Two professional associations that may help you: www.nari.org and www.nkba.org My advice is consider investing in having plans designed .. it will put more cards in your hand. 1) the contractors will be bidding on the same plan and 2) you will be able to better understand each of the bids -- especially if you are able to invest some time choosing products ahead of time too.
  • I got to admit I am not a big fan of relying on references as the biggest shysters I have seen have a binder full which is actually part of their sales contract. One of the other strikes I have is I as a contractor get to choose who you get to call - gees I wonder if I should let you call Mrs. Grumpy that didn't... With that said calling the references and asking how they handled any challenges, kept the area clean, etc... will give you some good insights. Word of mouth & seeing your friends project is pretty much golden, just make sure the projects are somewhat similar - just because they did a great job on a deck, doesn't mean they can do a bath or kitchen as well. I do like Becky Sue's advice - those are the top two associations in many areas with a lot of reputable contractors (granted there are also some bad, but you stand a better chance of finding a good one than going through the yellow pages) Finding a good designer or a design/build firm is good as you do have everyone hopefully quoting off the same specs. http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/the-rationale-for-getting-3-bids & http://blog.sls-construction.com/2009/building-remodeling-is-it-a-commodity are two great guest posts on my blog about pricing & what to look for As Mirriam & Sharon pointed out - make sure they have insurance & are licensed (careful as not all states require it) As for the Mike Holmes - there really are more good contractors out there than bad ones, it is just the bad ones get the press & to be blunt - it is a TV show & they are great at blowing some issues up while in others they don't have to http://blog.sls-construction.com/2008/tips-for-successful-remodeling-project
  • Elizabeth, you may be already a little past this point, but we did a short video on the 4 Steps to finding & selecting a remodeling company: http://youtu.be/2f2gbAHVtnE It might be helpful! Also, this is what we like OUR clients to know and might give you some ideas of what to ask the remodelers you're meeting with: http://www.akatlanta.com/-Free-Estimate-For-Remodeling You can also post questions you have during the process here on Hometalk! Good luck & Congrats!
  • Elizabeth Madden Elizabeth Madden on Jan 03, 2013
    Thank you so much AK, this was a HUGE help!