At the core of every dream kitchen remodeling project is the possibility of kitchen remodeling nightmares. While the most stories may sound like dramatic urban legends, contractor horror stories are real. By taking the proper steps, your dream kitchen can become your reality.

Use the following guide to prevent your visions of granite countertops and stainless steel appliances from turning into kitchen remodeling nightmares.

Never Pay Before You Get a Chance to Play

When it comes to any home renovation, you should never pay for the entire project until everything is complete. Yet, it’s completely normal for a contractor to require a down payment. This money may be used as good-faith on your behalf or may be used to order products specifically designed for your kitchen.

If you choose to withdraw from the project, your down payment is the contractor’s financial safety net. Your safety net is the fact the contractor will not receive complete payment until the project is complete.

If you have a problem giving the contractor a down payment, it’s clear you do not trust the contractor and should choose a new one. Besides, you should always trust the person who will be in your home attempting to make your dreams come true. Don’t get burned when hiring a kitchen renovation contractor, and never pay for a project until it’s complete.

Avoid Kitchen Remodeling Nightmares with Insurance

Since every kitchen remodeling contractor is human, they are subject to make mistakes. If you’re left to foot the bill, it can quickly transform your dream kitchen project into one of your own contractor horror stories.

As you are discussing the details of a project with potential contractors, request a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy. You may also want to ensure the contractor has workers’ compensation to ensure all hired workers will be covered.

Workers compensation will protect you in the event a worker is injured at your home. Without this safety net, the injured worker may turn to you for compensation, and the courts will most likely rule in their favor.

Simply put, an ounce of forethought and contractor insurance may be worth thousands of dollars later down the road.

Choose Your Appliances First

In the process of remodeling your kitchen, avoid putting the cart before the horse. In other words, the project shouldn’t start before you have chosen all of your appliances. Once you have chosen the appliances, provide the contractor with all of the specifications. This is especially important if you are having custom kitchen cabinets made or ordered.

By choosing your appliances first, the kitchen contractor will be able to arrange a superior fit for all equipment and cabinets. Your appliances includes built-in microwaves, refrigerators, wall ovens, and stoves.

Don’t Listen to Ads – Listen to Friends and Your Research

Reputable kitchen remodeling contractors build their business by continually delivering stellar results – not ads. As a result, most contractors acquire new customers through referrals and word of mouth in addition to repeat business.

Avoid choosing a contractor based on cheap solicitation efforts and billboards along the side of the road. It’s best to use insight you’ve gained from friends, family members, and your own research. Get started by:

  • Type the name of any potential contractor into Google with terms like “lawsuits” or “complaints” and see if anything comes back.
  • Use reliable sources like Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and others to gather reviews from other homeowners about different kitchen contractors.
  • Call or visit the contractor’s local office and see how you are treated.
  • It’s always a great practice to interview any potential contractors before you make a decision.
  • Most importantly, trust your gut!

Don’t Make Decisions Based on Price Alone

With kitchen remodeling – and virtually everything else – the adage “You get what you pay for” reigns supreme. Because of this, you should avoid choosing a contractor solely because of their dramatically low price.

Instead, it’s best to choose a contractor based on their ability. While no one wants to pay exorbitant prices for a kitchen remodeling job, your kitchen remodeling project will only be as good as the contractor and materials you pay for.

According to Home Advisor, homeowners spent on average of $20,301 for a complete kitchen remodel, while smaller projects ranged from $10,000 and $15,0000. The most expensive projects can quickly climb over $30,000. These projects include items such as granite counters, custom island and cabinet installation, high-tech appliances, hardwood floors, and more.

With these facets in mind, make sure your price is reflective of the services. Going the cheap route is one of the surest ways to morph your dream kitchen into one of the notorious kitchen remodeling nightmares.

Contact GAMCO Remodeling for Expert Kitchen Remodeling

GAMCO Remodeling has been transforming dreams and ideas into dream kitchens since 1978. When you choose GAMCO, you can expect highly qualified, licensed, and professional contractors delivering world-class service with top-of-the-line products. Best of all, we stand behind all of our work with an industry-leading Four Diamond Guarantee, which covers our workmanship and materials.

Check out our state of the art Kitchen Visualizer tool to see what your kitchen could look like. And then, contact GAMCO Remodeling to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation and free estimate.