Virginia Kitchen Remodeling: 7 Things to Look For in a Contractor

In Virginia, and likely everywhere else, kitchen remodeling projects rank among the most popular home renovations. Demand for capable contractors high, which has opened the door for a lot of contracting businesses.

Virginia Kitchen Remodeling: 7 Things to Look For in a Contractor

Not all contractors are made equal: some provide fantastic value and do great work for reasonable prices, but others overcharge, bloating costs while failing to stay on schedule. The worst of them execute poorly and deliver a finished product that doesn’t even come close to matching your expectations.

Obviously, you want to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Following these seven tips will help you find a contractor who deserves your business.

Tip #1: Confirm licensure and insurance

The first thing you should look for in a contractor is a valid license and comprehensive insurance. Any reputable contractor will gladly provide these details without hesitation. Anyone who doesn’t has something to hide.

When you’re presented with the information, confirm its authenticity. Run the license details through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) database to make sure it exists. Double-check with the insurance company to confirm that the contractor’s coverage is valid and current.

Tip #2: Check online customer reviews

Sites like Google, Yelp, and YellowPages are excellent places to start your research. Check to see what past customers had to say, but remember not to put too much stock into any single review. Difficult customers are a “thing,” and it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.

Instead, look for general trends: contractors with high ratings across a large number of reviews are likely to be worth your while.

Tip #3: Ask for references and examples of previous work

As with license and insurance information, trustworthy contractors won’t hesitate to provide references and samples of their past projects. Follow up with their references: they will offer more valuable insights than online reviews will, and you can ask the referees specific questions about their experiences.

Tip #4: Avoid high-pressure tactics

If a contractor tries to lure you in with a “limited time only” price quote or other high-pressure sales tactics, walk away. Reputable professionals never use these strategies—only desperate contractors do.

Tip #5: A robust employee roster is a good sign

Some contractors handle project planning and design, then leave the actual labor to subcontractors. This can cut down on costs, but you’re also rolling the dice in the hopes that the subcontractor’s labor pool will be capable and reliable.

It’s better to avoid this. Instead, look for contractors who maintain their own employee rosters and handle all the labor themselves.

Tip #6: Don’t sweat it if the contractor isn’t available immediately

It’s actually a good sign if the contractor you want to hire isn’t available to start the job right away. Busy contractors are in demand for a reason. Besides, you shouldn’t be in a rush to complete your kitchen renovation. If you’re flexible with your timeline, there’s a good chance you’ll be happier with the results.

Tip #7: Collect competitive bids

Any contractor you’re considering should be more than happy to submit a competitive bid, knowing that multiple professionals are submitting quotes. If a contractor balks at a competitive bidding situation, you can safely cross that company off your list.

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Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement is your one-stop contractor for all your kitchen & bathroom remodeling needs. We are a family-owned & operated general contractor with over 45 years of experience in residential construction & carpentry in Charlottesville and Culpeper, VA!

We are a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Virginia Class A Builder, in business since 1975!

We specialize in custom kitchen/bath upgrades and high-end remodel & renovation projects. Since all of our installations are done in-house, we maintain control of the quality at a very competitive price.