Top Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Modern Kitchen Remodeling

Are you remodeling your kitchen for the first time? Learn how to choose the right contractor and the questions to ask before you start the project. 

Hiring a contractor is the first step to succeeding in your kitchen remodeling project. You must get it right here if you want to see value in your modern kitchen space.

How to hire a kitchen contractor?

There are various steps that you must engage in to get the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling. Reflectively, we will share five factors to consider when hiring a kitchen contractor.

1. Consider the qualifications of the contractor

2. Consider the experience of the contractor

3. Peruse the portfolio

4. Ask for references

5. Consider the cost of hiring a contractor.

These are the basic considerations that will help you find the right contractor to inspire the installation of modern kitchen cabinets to create a modern kitchen space.

However, these considerations are not definitive; you should use specific questions to help you find the right contractor. We will share all the questions and the expected answers.

Questions to ask your kitchen contractor

How long have you been in the business?

You must be looking for an experienced contractor to take charge of your remodeling project. Therefore, it is important to ask about the experience the contractor has before you hire them.

This doesn’t mean that you cannot give an inexperienced contractor a chance to work for you. For example, if you are simply installing modern kitchen cabinets, you only need a contractor that is capable of delivering such installations. It is also worth remembering that the more experienced contractors charge more for remodeling projects.

You can compare different contractors before you settle on one based on experience.

Do you have a license? 

There are different requirements set by local authorities for contractors to meet before they can work in these jurisdictions. Don’t assume that a contractor automatically is approved to work in your local area; ask them about licensing before you pick them as your contractors.

When you ask this question, a contractor who is licensed will explain in detail the requirements. This information will keep you confident to allow them to work for you. Remember, even a simple installation of modern kitchen cabinets requires a competent and qualified contractor, thus, important to ask about licensing.  

Will you obtain building permissions from local authorities? 

As a follow-up to the licensing question, you should ask your contractor about building permissions from local authorities. Ask if they will seek the relevant permissions on your behalf.

Of course, a good contractor will do all the legal work on your behalf. This reduces your involvement in the project and increases your chances of success.

What is your expected timeline for completion?

You should ask about the expected timeline for completing the remodeling project even before you share your desired timeline with the contractor. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you engage this contractor in the project.

Remember, the scope of your remodeling project is also going to influence the timeline. If yours is a simple installation of modern kitchen cabinets, you should expect a faster timeline. However, a longer wait should be inevitable for whole-kitchen remodeling.

What is the total cost? 

This is an important question that you must know before you hire a contractor for your remodeling project.

The kitchen contractor needs to tell you the total cost which includes the cost of buying equipment, installation, and service charge. Insist on getting the total cost broken down into its constituent units. This will help you evaluate their cost and determine if it is good enough for your budget.

The best way to examine the total cost is to check the cost of simple units like modern kitchen cabinets so that you can easily compare prices online to see if you are getting the best deal.

What is the payment plan? 

You also need to know the payment plan for the kitchen remodeling project that you are engaging in. Some contractors want all money upfront while others offer a progressive payment plan.

It is better to opt for a progressive payment plan as opposed to an upfront payment. Discuss the payment terms with the contractor before you sign a deal.

Is there a dedicated team for this project? 

You also need to know if you will have a team dedicated to your kitchen remodeling project. You need to know this because of your expected consistency. Other questions that you could ask here include:

- Will the same team work to the completion of the project?

- Who will be in charge of the team that works in your home?

- Are there any subcontractors you expect to see in your home?

- How often will the contractor visit the site?

How will you communicate with the contractor during the contract period?

You need to establish a clear communication channel with the contractor before you sign an agreement. Remember, the contractor won’t be in your home every day during the remodeling project, thus, you need to have a clear channel of communication in case you have queries about the project.

What will a working day be like?

The contractor should inform you about the working day expectations. Some of the things that you should know include:

- Start and end time for construction days

- The expected level of noise

- Things that you will remove in your kitchen for the white modern kitchen cabinets to be installed properly

- If you will be needed to be at home during the remodeling project.

How will you resolve any disagreements? 

This is a crucial question that will determine the overall success of your remodeling project when a mistake or disagreement occurs.

Both you and the contractor must make clear your expectations during disagreements to avoid unnecessary battles when a mistake occurs.

Final thoughts

The success of your kitchen remodeling project depends on your contractor. Therefore, these questions should be a guide to your choice of the right kitchen remodeling contractor.

Top Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Modern Kitchen Remodeling

Are you remodeling your kitchen for the first time? Learn how to choose the right contractor and the questions to ask before you start the project. 

Hiring a contractor is the first step to succeeding in your kitchen remodeling project. You must get it right here if you want to see value in your modern kitchen space.

How to hire a kitchen contractor?

There are various steps that you must engage in to get the right contractor for your kitchen remodeling. Reflectively, we will share five factors to consider when hiring a kitchen contractor.

1. Consider the qualifications of the contractor

2. Consider the experience of the contractor

3. Peruse the portfolio

4. Ask for references

5. Consider the cost of hiring a contractor.

These are the basic considerations that will help you find the right contractor to inspire the installation of modern kitchen cabinets to create a modern kitchen space.

However, these considerations are not definitive; you should use specific questions to help you find the right contractor. We will share all the questions and the expected answers.

Questions to ask your kitchen contractor

How long have you been in the business?

You must be looking for an experienced contractor to take charge of your remodeling project. Therefore, it is important to ask about the experience the contractor has before you hire them.

This doesn’t mean that you cannot give an inexperienced contractor a chance to work for you. For example, if you are simply installing modern kitchen cabinets, you only need a contractor that is capable of delivering such installations. It is also worth remembering that the more experienced contractors charge more for remodeling projects.

You can compare different contractors before you settle on one based on experience.

Do you have a license? 

There are different requirements set by local authorities for contractors to meet before they can work in these jurisdictions. Don’t assume that a contractor automatically is approved to work in your local area; ask them about licensing before you pick them as your contractors.

When you ask this question, a contractor who is licensed will explain in detail the requirements. This information will keep you confident to allow them to work for you. Remember, even a simple installation of modern kitchen cabinets requires a competent and qualified contractor, thus, important to ask about licensing.  

Will you obtain building permissions from local authorities? 

As a follow-up to the licensing question, you should ask your contractor about building permissions from local authorities. Ask if they will seek the relevant permissions on your behalf.

Of course, a good contractor will do all the legal work on your behalf. This reduces your involvement in the project and increases your chances of success.

What is your expected timeline for completion?

You should ask about the expected timeline for completing the remodeling project even before you share your desired timeline with the contractor. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you engage this contractor in the project.

Remember, the scope of your remodeling project is also going to influence the timeline. If yours is a simple installation of modern kitchen cabinets, you should expect a faster timeline. However, a longer wait should be inevitable for whole-kitchen remodeling.

What is the total cost? 

This is an important question that you must know before you hire a contractor for your remodeling project.

The kitchen contractor needs to tell you the total cost which includes the cost of buying equipment, installation, and service charge. Insist on getting the total cost broken down into its constituent units. This will help you evaluate their cost and determine if it is good enough for your budget.

The best way to examine the total cost is to check the cost of simple units like modern kitchen cabinets so that you can easily compare prices online to see if you are getting the best deal.

What is the payment plan? 

You also need to know the payment plan for the kitchen remodeling project that you are engaging in. Some contractors want all money upfront while others offer a progressive payment plan.

It is better to opt for a progressive payment plan as opposed to an upfront payment. Discuss the payment terms with the contractor before you sign a deal.

Is there a dedicated team for this project? 

You also need to know if you will have a team dedicated to your kitchen remodeling project. You need to know this because of your expected consistency. Other questions that you could ask here include:

- Will the same team work to the completion of the project?

- Who will be in charge of the team that works in your home?

- Are there any subcontractors you expect to see in your home?

- How often will the contractor visit the site?

How will you communicate with the contractor during the contract period?

You need to establish a clear communication channel with the contractor before you sign an agreement. Remember, the contractor won’t be in your home every day during the remodeling project, thus, you need to have a clear channel of communication in case you have queries about the project.

What will a working day be like?

The contractor should inform you about the working day expectations. Some of the things that you should know include:

- Start and end time for construction days

- The expected level of noise

- Things that you will remove in your kitchen for the white modern kitchen cabinets to be installed properly

- If you will be needed to be at home during the remodeling project.

How will you resolve any disagreements? 

This is a crucial question that will determine the overall success of your remodeling project when a mistake or disagreement occurs.

Both you and the contractor must make clear your expectations during disagreements to avoid unnecessary battles when a mistake occurs.

Final thoughts

The success of your kitchen remodeling project depends on your contractor. Therefore, these questions should be a guide to your choice of the right kitchen remodeling contractor.

Tips About Shaker Kitchen Cabinets You Need to Know About

There is a buzz about shaker cabinets. It is a justified trend because this type of cabinetry is unique and has some undeniably great features.

But what is shaker style kitchen cabinets? This question forms the basis of the discussion here where we will highlight everything that you need to know about shaker kitchen cabinets.

What is shaker-style cabinetry?

Several features define shaker cabinets. The main features are:

- Square edges

- Flat panel

- Clean lines  

- Minimal detailing

Simplified, shaker kitchen cabinets have a center panel characterized by square edges and clean lines. The best way to picture shaker cabinetry is to imagine a rectangular wood slab with a square-shaped box inside it. Shaker cabinets have four corners and an inset panel that defines their frame.

Unique features of shaker cabinets

The timeless appeal of shaker cabinets is embedded in the features of this set of cabinets. All shaker-style cabinetry should have these features:

Simplicity 

The top reason why shaker kitchen cabinets are very popular is that they are simple. They have a simple and timeless design that makes them adorable to many. Unlike other types of cabinets that have adopted complex designs, shaker cabinets have simple lines that make them simple and unique.

Top-class craftsmanship 

The history of shaker cabinetry is rich in great craftsmanship. This type of cabinet was crafted by skilled craftsmen known as shakers. Their design is precise and requires skilled professionals in modern times to craft them.

Think about it, if you can’t get the edges right or the inset panel, you can’t have shaker cabinetry. Therefore, good shaker kitchen cabinets have great workmanship that guarantees longevity.

Quality wood 

A majority of shaker cabinets are manufactured using high-quality hardwood. This feature is important because it defines the overall quality of the cabinets as well as their longevity.

However, it is a feature that you must confirm with the seller before you commit to buying the cabinets. The best way is to ask for a sample before you order a whole set of shaker cabinets for your kitchen.

While ordering shaker kitchen cabinets, you should be specific about your expectations of the wood type and type of finish. This will define the cost of cabinets but you would rather buy expensive cabinetry that will meet your quality demands than buy cheap options that will disappoint you soon after the installation.

Types of finishes for shaker cabinets

Personal preference will determine the kind of finish you will have for your kitchen cabinets. However, here are some expected options that you can explore:

Painted finishing 

You can use paint to give your cabinets an exquisite appearance. It is also a fine type of finish that allows the shaker cabinets to retain their recessed edges. It is a unique finishing type because it seems more intrinsic.

Burnished finishing 

It is an option that will give your shaker kitchen cabinets an aged appearance. It is a process that comes after the cabinets have been painted. You will need to start by distressing the cabinets before you sand. Afterward, you can burnish the cabinets.

You need to be very careful if this is your chosen finishing style. It looks simple but has heightened precision expectations. The best approach is to avoid DIY when burnishing your shaker cabinets lest you destroy the original look of your cabinets.

Thermofoil finishing 

The top reason for using thermofoil is to enhance the durability of your shaker cabinets. This type of finishing is known as a vinyl wrap and it involves applying it on dense areas of the cabinets under high temperature and intense pressure.

Polyurethane finishing 

It is a finishing style used to bring out a rustic and earthy feel in the kitchen.

You can pick any type of finishing depending on your primary purpose and personal preference.

Type of kitchens ideal for shaker cabinets

There are specific types of kitchen spaces that are very receptive to shaker cabinets.

Modern kitchen spaces 

Modern kitchen spaces are ideal for shaker cabinetry because their features intertwine. Both modern kitchen spaces and shaker cabinetry are simple. Therefore, you can easily install this type to enhance modernity in your kitchen space.

Traditional kitchen spaces

Using polyurethane finishing, you can achieve an earthy feel in your kitchen space. This can work well in a traditional kitchen space that values the rustic and earthy feel. However, you will need other additional fixtures to make the kitchen space truly traditional. For example, you can add some vintage items inside the shaker kitchen cabinets to make your kitchen feel traditional.

Can shaker cabinetry work well in small kitchen spaces?

Shaker cabinets are the best fit for small kitchens. The reason is that small kitchen spaces need simple cabinetry designs like shaker-style that will help to make the kitchen feel bigger.

You can even make it better by using white shaker cabinets in your small kitchen. The combination of the white color and the shaker design will help to make your kitchen feel bigger.  

It is also possible to install shaker cabinets in a big kitchen space.

Reasons to install shaker cabinets

Enhance beauty 

Shaker cabinets are beautiful in the kitchen. You should consider them simply because of their beauty. They match other kitchen elements pretty well to elevate your kitchen’s beauty further.

Affordable 

Unlike other types of beautiful kitchen cabinets, the shaker is pretty affordable. You can install them even when you are working on a budget. However, you should also be mindful of the sellers selling shaker cabinets very cheaply. They might not fulfill the quality expectations. Therefore, buy affordable shaker kitchen cabinets from trusted sellers.

Fits most kitchen spaces

You don’t have to worry about shaker cabinetry fitting in your kitchen space. They have a simple design that will always match the requirements of your kitchen’s theme and style.

Conclusion

Shaker cabinets are an option that every homeowner has when they are looking for unique cabinets for their kitchen spaces.

Tips About Shaker Kitchen Cabinets You Need to Know About

There is a buzz about shaker cabinets. It is a justified trend because this type of cabinetry is unique and has some undeniably great features.

But what is shaker style kitchen cabinets? This question forms the basis of the discussion here where we will highlight everything that you need to know about shaker kitchen cabinets.

What is shaker-style cabinetry?

Several features define shaker cabinets. The main features are:

- Square edges

- Flat panel

- Clean lines  

- Minimal detailing

Simplified, shaker kitchen cabinets have a center panel characterized by square edges and clean lines. The best way to picture shaker cabinetry is to imagine a rectangular wood slab with a square-shaped box inside it. Shaker cabinets have four corners and an inset panel that defines their frame.

Unique features of shaker cabinets

The timeless appeal of shaker cabinets is embedded in the features of this set of cabinets. All shaker-style cabinetry should have these features:

Simplicity 

The top reason why shaker kitchen cabinets are very popular is that they are simple. They have a simple and timeless design that makes them adorable to many. Unlike other types of cabinets that have adopted complex designs, shaker cabinets have simple lines that make them simple and unique.

Top-class craftsmanship 

The history of shaker cabinetry is rich in great craftsmanship. This type of cabinet was crafted by skilled craftsmen known as shakers. Their design is precise and requires skilled professionals in modern times to craft them.

Think about it, if you can’t get the edges right or the inset panel, you can’t have shaker cabinetry. Therefore, good shaker kitchen cabinets have great workmanship that guarantees longevity.

Quality wood 

A majority of shaker cabinets are manufactured using high-quality hardwood. This feature is important because it defines the overall quality of the cabinets as well as their longevity.

However, it is a feature that you must confirm with the seller before you commit to buying the cabinets. The best way is to ask for a sample before you order a whole set of shaker cabinets for your kitchen.

While ordering shaker kitchen cabinets, you should be specific about your expectations of the wood type and type of finish. This will define the cost of cabinets but you would rather buy expensive cabinetry that will meet your quality demands than buy cheap options that will disappoint you soon after the installation.

Types of finishes for shaker cabinets

Personal preference will determine the kind of finish you will have for your kitchen cabinets. However, here are some expected options that you can explore:

Painted finishing 

You can use paint to give your cabinets an exquisite appearance. It is also a fine type of finish that allows the shaker cabinets to retain their recessed edges. It is a unique finishing type because it seems more intrinsic.

Burnished finishing 

It is an option that will give your shaker kitchen cabinets an aged appearance. It is a process that comes after the cabinets have been painted. You will need to start by distressing the cabinets before you sand. Afterward, you can burnish the cabinets.

You need to be very careful if this is your chosen finishing style. It looks simple but has heightened precision expectations. The best approach is to avoid DIY when burnishing your shaker cabinets lest you destroy the original look of your cabinets.

Thermofoil finishing 

The top reason for using thermofoil is to enhance the durability of your shaker cabinets. This type of finishing is known as a vinyl wrap and it involves applying it on dense areas of the cabinets under high temperature and intense pressure.

Polyurethane finishing 

It is a finishing style used to bring out a rustic and earthy feel in the kitchen.

You can pick any type of finishing depending on your primary purpose and personal preference.

Type of kitchens ideal for shaker cabinets

There are specific types of kitchen spaces that are very receptive to shaker cabinets.

Modern kitchen spaces 

Modern kitchen spaces are ideal for shaker cabinetry because their features intertwine. Both modern kitchen spaces and shaker cabinetry are simple. Therefore, you can easily install this type to enhance modernity in your kitchen space.

Traditional kitchen spaces

Using polyurethane finishing, you can achieve an earthy feel in your kitchen space. This can work well in a traditional kitchen space that values the rustic and earthy feel. However, you will need other additional fixtures to make the kitchen space truly traditional. For example, you can add some vintage items inside the shaker kitchen cabinets to make your kitchen feel traditional.

Can shaker cabinetry work well in small kitchen spaces?

Shaker cabinets are the best fit for small kitchens. The reason is that small kitchen spaces need simple cabinetry designs like shaker-style that will help to make the kitchen feel bigger.

You can even make it better by using white shaker cabinets in your small kitchen. The combination of the white color and the shaker design will help to make your kitchen feel bigger.  

It is also possible to install shaker cabinets in a big kitchen space.

Reasons to install shaker cabinets

Enhance beauty 

Shaker cabinets are beautiful in the kitchen. You should consider them simply because of their beauty. They match other kitchen elements pretty well to elevate your kitchen’s beauty further.

Affordable 

Unlike other types of beautiful kitchen cabinets, the shaker is pretty affordable. You can install them even when you are working on a budget. However, you should also be mindful of the sellers selling shaker cabinets very cheaply. They might not fulfill the quality expectations. Therefore, buy affordable shaker kitchen cabinets from trusted sellers.

Fits most kitchen spaces

You don’t have to worry about shaker cabinetry fitting in your kitchen space. They have a simple design that will always match the requirements of your kitchen’s theme and style.

Conclusion

Shaker cabinets are an option that every homeowner has when they are looking for unique cabinets for their kitchen spaces.

Tips About Shaker Kitchen Cabinets You Need to Know About

There is a buzz about shaker cabinets. It is a justified trend because this type of cabinetry is unique and has some undeniably great features.

But what is shaker style kitchen cabinets? This question forms the basis of the discussion here where we will highlight everything that you need to know about shaker kitchen cabinets.

What is shaker-style cabinetry?

Several features define shaker cabinets. The main features are:

- Square edges

- Flat panel

- Clean lines  

- Minimal detailing

Simplified, shaker kitchen cabinets have a center panel characterized by square edges and clean lines. The best way to picture shaker cabinetry is to imagine a rectangular wood slab with a square-shaped box inside it. Shaker cabinets have four corners and an inset panel that defines their frame.

Unique features of shaker cabinets

The timeless appeal of shaker cabinets is embedded in the features of this set of cabinets. All shaker-style cabinetry should have these features:

Simplicity 

The top reason why shaker kitchen cabinets are very popular is that they are simple. They have a simple and timeless design that makes them adorable to many. Unlike other types of cabinets that have adopted complex designs, shaker cabinets have simple lines that make them simple and unique.

Top-class craftsmanship 

The history of shaker cabinetry is rich in great craftsmanship. This type of cabinet was crafted by skilled craftsmen known as shakers. Their design is precise and requires skilled professionals in modern times to craft them.

Think about it, if you can’t get the edges right or the inset panel, you can’t have shaker cabinetry. Therefore, good shaker kitchen cabinets have great workmanship that guarantees longevity.

Quality wood 

A majority of shaker cabinets are manufactured using high-quality hardwood. This feature is important because it defines the overall quality of the cabinets as well as their longevity.

However, it is a feature that you must confirm with the seller before you commit to buying the cabinets. The best way is to ask for a sample before you order a whole set of shaker cabinets for your kitchen.

While ordering shaker kitchen cabinets, you should be specific about your expectations of the wood type and type of finish. This will define the cost of cabinets but you would rather buy expensive cabinetry that will meet your quality demands than buy cheap options that will disappoint you soon after the installation.

Types of finishes for shaker cabinets

Personal preference will determine the kind of finish you will have for your kitchen cabinets. However, here are some expected options that you can explore:

Painted finishing 

You can use paint to give your cabinets an exquisite appearance. It is also a fine type of finish that allows the shaker cabinets to retain their recessed edges. It is a unique finishing type because it seems more intrinsic.

Burnished finishing 

It is an option that will give your shaker kitchen cabinets an aged appearance. It is a process that comes after the cabinets have been painted. You will need to start by distressing the cabinets before you sand. Afterward, you can burnish the cabinets.

You need to be very careful if this is your chosen finishing style. It looks simple but has heightened precision expectations. The best approach is to avoid DIY when burnishing your shaker cabinets lest you destroy the original look of your cabinets.

Thermofoil finishing 

The top reason for using thermofoil is to enhance the durability of your shaker cabinets. This type of finishing is known as a vinyl wrap and it involves applying it on dense areas of the cabinets under high temperature and intense pressure.

Polyurethane finishing 

It is a finishing style used to bring out a rustic and earthy feel in the kitchen.

You can pick any type of finishing depending on your primary purpose and personal preference.

Type of kitchens ideal for shaker cabinets

There are specific types of kitchen spaces that are very receptive to shaker cabinets.

Modern kitchen spaces 

Modern kitchen spaces are ideal for shaker cabinetry because their features intertwine. Both modern kitchen spaces and shaker cabinetry are simple. Therefore, you can easily install this type to enhance modernity in your kitchen space.

Traditional kitchen spaces

Using polyurethane finishing, you can achieve an earthy feel in your kitchen space. This can work well in a traditional kitchen space that values the rustic and earthy feel. However, you will need other additional fixtures to make the kitchen space truly traditional. For example, you can add some vintage items inside the shaker kitchen cabinets to make your kitchen feel traditional.

Can shaker cabinetry work well in small kitchen spaces?

Shaker cabinets are the best fit for small kitchens. The reason is that small kitchen spaces need simple cabinetry designs like shaker-style that will help to make the kitchen feel bigger.

You can even make it better by using white shaker cabinets in your small kitchen. The combination of the white color and the shaker design will help to make your kitchen feel bigger.  

It is also possible to install shaker cabinets in a big kitchen space.

Reasons to install shaker cabinets

Enhance beauty 

Shaker cabinets are beautiful in the kitchen. You should consider them simply because of their beauty. They match other kitchen elements pretty well to elevate your kitchen’s beauty further.

Affordable 

Unlike other types of beautiful kitchen cabinets, the shaker is pretty affordable. You can install them even when you are working on a budget. However, you should also be mindful of the sellers selling shaker cabinets very cheaply. They might not fulfill the quality expectations. Therefore, buy affordable shaker kitchen cabinets from trusted sellers.

Fits most kitchen spaces

You don’t have to worry about shaker cabinetry fitting in your kitchen space. They have a simple design that will always match the requirements of your kitchen’s theme and style.

Conclusion

Shaker cabinets are an option that every homeowner has when they are looking for unique cabinets for their kitchen spaces.