Kitchen and bathroom upgrades are popular projects for homeowners who want to enhance family lifestyle and increase the market worth of their property.
Over time, most kitchens and bathrooms will need updating through general wear and tear, and a full remodel is typically a large undertaking that represents a significant investment in your home.
Professional kitchen and bathroom renovations require meticulous planning and project management and a high degree of technical expertise across several fields.
In the right hands, your kitchen or bathroom remodel will run smoothly and be completed on time and within your budget, with no nasty surprises.
However, not all kitchen and bathroom remodeling services have the same standards of honesty and transparency.
This is why it’s imperative to engage a reputable kitchen or bathroom contractor – one you can trust completely because you know they’re licensed and insured and won’t neglect the important step of obtaining all necessary permits.
The Importance of Finding a Licensed Bathroom or Kitchen Contractor
Whatever the size of your bathroom or kitchen refurbishment, it’s critical to verify that your contractor is fully licensed, or your remodel could end up costing you a lot more than you planned.
License requirements vary from state to state and according to the type of contractor. If you’re hiring a bathroom or kitchen contractor, ask whether that hold licenses for work such as:
- Demolition
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Flooring
Applying for a contractor’s license may entail:
- A written exam about construction skills and regulations.
- Showing the financial means to run a business.
- Providing references from a bank and previous employers.
- Proving hands-on experience.
Insurance Considerations When Hiring a Kitchen or Bathroom Contractor
Contractor liability insurance covers any damage to your property due to substandard materials or poor workmanship during a bathroom or kitchen makeover.
Countertops and kitchen cabinets make the kitchen pop but are also elements that often get damaged during installation. Contractor liability insurance will cover the cost of the damage, but some kitchen cabinets have a unique grain pattern that cannot be replaced.
Therefore, you should be on the lookout for a professional contractor, with a good track record and positive feedback to do kitchen cabinet installation for you.
The insurer will also bear the cost in full or in part of fixing mistakes should the contractor fail to meet expected standards of work.
Liability insurance should also cover any medical expenses and legal judgments should an employee get injured while working in your home.
Worker compensation insurance will save you from any financial penalties if someone gets hurt while working on your property – the contractor’s insurer will pay medical costs and wage reimbursement.
Why Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Permits are Essential
While getting kitchen and bathroom remodel permits can be a hassle for the layperson, a reputable contractor will all know all the ins and outs of the process.
Complying with statutory regulations such as safety regulations and building codes is a critical part of bathroom and kitchen renovation.
Without these authorizations, an official inspection could result in you having to tear down your new bathroom or kitchen and restore the space to its original condition.
Having certification for your bathroom or kitchen remodel will also be critical if you decide to sell your home. Potential buyers are highly likely to walk away if they discover bathroom or kitchen work wasn’t covered by the necessary permits.
And if you’re staying put, you’ll find it extremely difficult to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance any further work on your home.
How a Reputable Contractor Gives You Peace of Mind
When looking for a kitchen or bathroom contractor, it’s important to find a company you can depend on.
A contractor who ensures all necessary permits are obtained and has full insurance and licensing demonstrates a high standard of professionalism and commitment to customers. You’ll also get peace of mind that you won’t be left out of pocket should something go wrong.
You may come across a kitchen and bathroom remodeling service that gives you an unrealistically low estimate or offers you a cash deal – or both.
This may be a sign that they’ll cut corners by using inferior materials and cheap labor, and they may also neglect to get building permits and fail to ensure they’re licensed and insured.
Unless you have full confidence in your contractor, you’re likely to be apprehensive throughout your remodeling project. Hiring a reputable bathroom or kitchen contractor will allow you sit back and relax while you let them get on with the job.