Where To Turn For Help
HIRING PROCESS
Be sure to find a designer and remodeling contractor who are willing to listen to your needs and work with you on creating the best solution for your space. Visit our dealer locator for recommendations.
"We discussed how she would perform typical kitchen functions and then planned the cabinetry storage so that the flow of the kitchen was the best it could be for interactive family cooking and entertaining."
Bonnie Bagley Catlin | Kitchen Designer
Most Common Questions
A group of NARI contractors agreed the most popular questions from homeowners were:
- When can you start/finish?
- Are you going to work every day?
- Can you finish before (major holiday/event)?
- How much will it cost per square foot?
None of these questions help identify the quality or caliber of remodeler.
Questions to Ask First
Here are some questions National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) members recommend asking before signing a remodeling contract.
- How long have you been in business?
- Who will be working on the project?
- How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
- What percentage of your business is repeat or referral business?
Ask for References
A person’s reputation speaks volumes and the same is true companies. Always ask contractors or remodelers for references from homeowners whose project they have completed in the past year. Also ask for business references from banks, sub-contractors, showrooms and other suppliers that the contractor has worked with in the last year. Your state website may offer helpful information on how to verify a contractor’s license.
Visit Your State's Website
Be sure to ask licensed contractors for a copy of their license number; many states now allow you to verify contractor licenses online. For reference, view the consumer guide to working with contractors provided by the State of Minnesota. Many of the tips and suggestions are valid in every state, but be sure to check your state’s website for specific rules and guidelines.
Look for Professional Affiliations
Ask if your contractor is a member of a local or national trade association, and then follow up with that association to verify.