When remodeling or refacing your kitchen with one of the large home center chain stores, you will often be dealing with an independent contractor and not the chain itself when it comes to getting your kitchen installed. Watch for these common problems and take steps if they occur, because the home center chain will do nothing to help you.
Hit & Miss
If the contractor is dragging his feet, shows up only a couple of times a week, always with an excuse as to why, and promises things will get moving again soon, don't buy it! Wishing and hoping is not going to change anything. Good communication is key and an organized, professional contractor will come prepared with a detailed project plan that includes a timeline as well as an outline of all the work to be completed. As a homeowner, make sure the installers and contractors are measuring up to their side of the deal as well.
Too Much Money Up Front
If a contractor asks you to pre-pay for a portion of the job he has yet to complete or start for any reason he gives, consider this a red flag! He hasn't earned it yet, and it's a sign the contractor is in some financial trouble. Which means you better get prepared for the worst.
You Pay for Their Mistakes
If the contractor asks for more money for something he screwed up and has to re-do, please don't give it to him. That's his problem and most reputable contractors know that. You'll likely not see him again because he doesn't know how to fix it and you'll be frantically trying to track him down.
Excessive Use of 'Jargon'
If you don't understand anything the contractor is talking about, ASK! Don't just let it blow over, because you figure it's not important. Find out what the terms he uses mean to you and your project. Many people have told us that they didn't understand what the contractor was talking about when he discussed something, only to later find that it was something they didn’t want or that became a problem.
The Best Advice?
Your best bet when remodeling or refacing is to use a reputable firm that provides you with reviews and testimonials from customers who can tell you how their jobs went. Kitchen Magic has been in business more than 30 years and is dedicated to making sure you are happy with your finished project. Our dedicated team of professionals explain the terms and conditions clearly and in detail, and we work to make sure the project is finished to your satisfaction. And we offer a Lifetime of Home Ownership Warranty. Don’t be fooled; contact us today for a free in-home estimate. You’ll be glad you did.