Strategies for Remodeling Your Kitchen: Part 3

The Contractor

After setting our budget,  I contacted Dave Magown (619)820-7732 whom I had met at our local Santee Chamber of Commerce several years prior to this.  He had worked at Home Depot in kitchen remodeling design prior to opening his own business for a number of years.  Prior to hiring Dave, I checked his Contractor's License just to make sure that there hadn't been any issues on his contractor's license.

Referrals from friends and family are a good source for  Remodel Contractors.  But always check the contractor license website for any issues.  The license insures that they are accountable and liable.  Also make sure that they carry liability and worker's comp insurance.

Then we began the process of designing the kitchen.  Dave met with us at our home to discuss how we wanted the kitchen to be laid out.

Then we met at his show room to choose cabinets and counter tops.  Once we had decided on what we were putting in, then we met at our house to go over the process and time frames, included in the contract.  Time frames are very important, especially when near a holiday.  On average remodels take 4-10 weeks.    Also included in the contract was the total cost, broken down into 5 payments planned  throughout the process. 

Once we had a basic floor plan, then we needed to pick out appliances, sink, and faucets to replace the dead dishwasher, leaking refrigerator
and faucet. The measurements for all of these items were necessary to move forward.

Once the cabinets were near completion, the time had come to begin demolition.  Once we started, it was important to know what time the workers plan to show up and leave.  The demolition and cabinet crew would show up consistently at 8am and the flooring workers at 9:30am.  Good to know for your schedule.  Stress that it is important that if they are NOT going to show up, that they would let you know the day before.  That way you can plan your day.

While your kitchen is being updated, you need to plan on where you will set up a temporary kitchen, i.e. in your garage, another room or on your patio, somewhere where you have water and ample electricity.

Also make a plan for your pets.  Introduce them to the workers and help them stay calm through the loud banging and noises and temporary displacement.

Then let the chaos begin.

Written by Virginia Hall
Keller Williams Realty
                                                                619.258.8585

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