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12 Questions to Ask a Kitchen Contractor (2026)
Quick answer: Before hiring a kitchen remodeler, ask: (1) Is the quote itemized and in writing? (2) Who does the actual work — employees or subcontractors? (3) What is the payment schedule? (4) How do you handle change orders? (5) What is the realistic timeline? The biggest red flags are verbal-only quotes, demands for large upfront deposits, and no written scope. A trustworthy contractor answers all twelve questions below without hesitation. Call (607) 389-0071 for a free written quote.
The 12 Questions
- Is the quote itemized and in writing? — A lump-sum number with no breakdown is not a quote, it is a guess. You need line items: demolition, cabinets, counters, plumbing, electrical, flooring, finishes.
- Who actually does the work? — Employees, long-term subcontractors, or whoever is available this week? Ask who the site supervisor is and whether they are on-site daily.
- What is the payment schedule? — Standard: a deposit (10–25%), progress payments tied to milestones, and a final payment after the punch list. Never pay most of the job upfront.
- How do you handle change orders? — Every change should be priced and signed in writing before work continues. Verbal "we'll figure it out" change orders are where budgets die.
- What is the realistic timeline — and what delays it? — Ask for the schedule in writing, plus which materials have the longest lead times.
- Do you handle permits? — For plumbing, electrical, or structural changes, the contractor should pull permits as part of the scope — not leave it to you.
- What happens if you find damage behind the walls? — Water damage and outdated wiring are common. Ask how unforeseen work is priced before demolition starts.
- How do you protect the rest of my house? — Dust barriers, floor protection, and daily cleanup should be standard, not extras.
- What is your communication process? — Who do I call with questions? How often do I get updates? Silence mid-project is a top homeowner complaint.
- Can I see recent local work and talk to references? — Photos are easy to fake; addresses and phone numbers are not. Call at least two past clients.
- What is covered if something goes wrong after completion? — Get the workmanship coverage in writing: what is covered, for how long, and how to claim it.
- When do I make final payment? — Only after the punch list is complete and you have walked the finished kitchen. Hold the final 10% until then.
Red Flags — Walk Away If…
- The quote is verbal only, or "we don't do paperwork"
- They demand more than 50% upfront
- They cannot name who will supervise your job
- They badmouth every other contractor in town
- The price is dramatically lower than every other bid (something is missing from the scope)
Good to know
FAQs
Three, minimum — and compare them line by line. The cheapest bid often excludes work the others include; the most expensive is not automatically the best.
A general contractor coordinates scheduling, permits, and accountability in one place — worth it for full remodels. For a cosmetic refresh, hiring a cabinet or countertop specialist directly can work.
10–25% upfront is standard, with the rest tied to milestones. Be wary of anyone asking for half or more before work begins.
For layout changes, yes — a designer (or design-build contractor) prevents expensive mistakes in workflow, clearances, and storage. For cosmetic refreshes, you can often skip it.
