Interviewing contractors

[SuzySunshine]

Ok gang, THE kitchen project is finally starting after 20 months! The plans are done, inquiries are out to contractors and remodeling companies.

So when they actually come to the house what do we ask them? Do we give them our full budget or underbid it and see what they say? What should we expect from them?

Our designer who is well versed in this has given us a range of what we should be able to do it for and his max is what we had planned on spending so that is good...

[houseelf]

I would check up on all references. Seriously. Don't even get me started. A lot of time Real Estate agents have good references too. Good luck!

[diggitydot]

Interviewing contractors

Def check references AND get their licensing/bond info to check it with the state. If a contractor has a track record of problems, their license and bond can be yanked by the state. Bond can be yanked simply for them having crappy creditworthiness. You don't want a contractor with money issues.

[SuzySunshine]

We are only talking to contractors/companies that have been recommended to us either from another professional we trust or a friend that has used them.

We will definitely check references and insurance. Otherwise do we just go with our gut?

[Vanquisher]

I would not give them your budget. I'd tell them what you want in detail, and ask for a best estimate. If you tell them your budget is 50k, that's what they'll use!

I'd also ask how close they usually come to their estimates in cost, on average.

I'd ask to see pictures of work they've done.

I'd definitely check references, the BBB, and Angie's List.

[Pollyanna]

Def check references AND get their licensing/bond info to check it with the state. If a contractor has a track record of problems, their license and bond can be yanked by the state. Bond can be yanked simply for them having crappy creditworthiness. You don't want a contractor with money issues.

Yes, omg, the money thing Diggity brings up is HUGE! There are countless folks that have paid lots of money to be left with a huge hole in the ground because their contractor went belly up. And when you get their reference list actually call the people and talk to them about their experience. Get lots of pictures of their work.

[diggitydot]

If you know anyone in the industry who'd be willing to talk to you about it, ask around about any businesses on the verge of bankruptcy. I've seen too many people deal with a flaky contractor who entered bankruptcy AFTER signing a contract to do their work.

[BonBon]

YES to all the above advice. And make sure the photos are THEIR OWN. (our home builder had some gorgeous home photos...weren't theirs)

[SuzySunshine]

We have had two of our 4 come out - no bids yet but the one that came out last night is a "full service" meaning they do it all, they're all employees, they don't start until its all here, etc etc - his estimate...SIX figures! HAH HA HA HA!!

We are bidding two solo guys who act as the general, do some of the work and sub out the rest - one full service (last night's guy) and one company but I don't think they're going to be as high (we'll see). Probably won't have a decision or all of our bids until late February.

[SuzySunshine]

So the 4th contractor is coming out tomorrow - we haven't received any of our bids. I expected to have the 1st one by now so that is kind of annoying.

Anyway my dad came up yesterday and we talked for almost two hours about other options, etc.

This is the DREAM plan - the one that is probably going to cost six figures because of all of the demo. This one makes the kitchen a nice rectangle, relocates the bathroom and gives us an island.
Kitchen.jpg

This is the other option that the previous owner's wife designed (she is a certified kitchen/bath designer) - it gives us a peninsula, not an island and doesn't relocate the bathroom therefore there is a lot less demolition (i.e. not taking down any major walls). I think we would open it up just a tad more by taking out the walls between pantry/mud space on the right and the kitchen. Its just a small dividing wall but would give us one continuous counter space from the sink clear to the pantry. But it makes the kitchen an L rather then a rectangle. Thoughts ??

Kitchen+2.jpg

I don't know - I think DH and I are going to have a long discussion about this. If we put a six figure kitchen in this house we pretty much guarantee we can't do any of the cosmetic projects we want to (like remodeling two small bathrooms, taking out carpet in the guest room and updating the basement family room) and we'd have to stay here forever b/c we'd never get out of it what we put into it...

[JDAZ11]

I think - as a prospective buyer - I wouldn't move the powder room. I like the more expensive plan better, but it isn't going to give you a totally open first floor, correct? If it would, I might consider moving the bathroom, but otherwise, I am not sure it is worth it. Islands are great, but the peninsula does the job. It looks like the amount of cabinet space is similar, sink is facing the back yard (things I look for). Is the space that would be the powder room a pantry in the less expensive design? I also look for pantries in houses.

Then just since you asked for opinions (and this is just mine, so feel free to ignore me)... I can't stand double sinks. I have only lived in one house with a double sink, so I guess I've never learned what the point is. But anyhow, they drive me nuts. I obviously wouldn't pass on a house for this reason, but I have been known to factor it in to a house that has just had a kitchen renovation.

Will all of the appliances you want fit into the less expensive plan?

[Pollyanna]

A six figure kitchen is a huge commitment. If you talked about how you love the house, love your neighbors, can't imagine ever leaving then I would say "go for it", build your dream kitchen. To be honest though I don't get the feeling that you really like the house or the neighborhood and no amount of money will change that. If I'm wrong please ignore me.

If it were me I'd go with the less expensive option. It is more likely keeping with the style and time period of the home and you will be able to do more of the work you want to do in the house. If you choose the more expensive option and are fine with leaving money on the table if you sell then it becomes a non-issue (just make that decision now so you're not upset if it comes to pass).

I can't wait to see the final product!!!

[OrionGrad]

I'm with Pollyanna. I'd go with the second option if I wasn't going to be staying in the house forever. But I guess it also depends on how much cheaper the second option would be.

[SuzySunshine]

The area to the far right on plan #2, the backwards L would be mud space, cubbies, hooks, shoe cubbies, etc. The space just to the left of that, the big rectangle is the pantry - its floor to ceiling, about 48" wide, its plenty big. You are correct we will never have a totally open first floor in this house, it was built in the 1930's its just not possible, the main staircase both up and down is right in the middle of the house.

The appliances will be the same regardless of plan.

All good points and we don't know what the smaller cost is. Most likely we'll get the 4 bids and then have them re-bid the "cheaper" plan and see what the difference is...

[Urowife]

One question about the estimates coming in at 100k -- did they break down the costs for you? (Or is that what you are waiting for?) I'm wondering if that 100k includes a contingency. If so, it's possible that it wouldn't cost as much in the end. As long as they didn't come across unforeseen issues, I guess.

It's a tough call. I guess I'd lean toward the smaller renovation too unless this is your forever home, in which case, I'd do the more expensive renovation.