Hiring a Cabinet Contractor: Contractor Checklist

What to Know Before Hiring a Cabinet Contractor

Have you been thinking of changing the look of your kitchen for a while? If you want to transform your kitchen cabinets and make the space feel like new, upgrading or replacing them is a great place to start. It can dramatically update your kitchen’s style while boosting your home’s resale value. As with any home improvement project, hiring a trustworthy cabinet contractor can help you avoid unnecessary costs, delays, and frustrations.

At Modernize, we frequently speak to homeowners about their home improvement projects. In our recent interviews, 90% of homeowners requested a checklist to help them find and vet contractors. Modernize now offers homeowners a free, digital Contractor Checklist as a simple, step-by-step guide to support your kitchen cabinet remodeling project.

How to Find a Reliable Cabinet Contractor

Hiring a reliable cabinet contractor can feel challenging, but finding the right pro is absolutely doable. Start by gathering recommendations and using trusted resources to narrow down your options. These steps can help you find a local professional you can trust:

• Ask friends, family, and neighbors for referrals.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau.
• Connect with trusted cabinet replacement contractors in your area through Modernize.

Talking with people you know, or using trusted resources like the Better Business Bureau or Modernize, can help you filter out contractors who aren’t the right fit — so you can focus your decision on the best options available in your area.

Vet Your Cabinet Contractors

Once you have a shortlist, it’s time to compare contractors so your investment is as informed and successful as possible. Here are smart ways to evaluate your options:

• Request quotes from three to four contractors in your area.
  • A recent Modernize survey showed 63% of homeowners feel most confident when comparing multiple project quotes.
• Visit each contractor’s website.
  • Is it updated and professional?
• Review customer feedback.
  • Are reviews mostly positive? Read negative reviews carefully and look at how the contractor responds.
• Ask each cabinet replacement contractor these questions:
  • How long have you been in business?
  • How much experience do you have with cabinet repair or installation?
  • What is your estimated project cost and timeline?
  • Can you provide a list of references?
  • Can you provide proof of insurance for personal liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage?

You’ll also want to consider any special needs for your renovation. For example, if you live in a historic home, confirm your contractor has experience working with older properties and understands the extra care they may require.

Meet With Your Top Cabinet Contractors

After reviewing written estimates and vetting your options, meet in person with your top choices to go over cabinet-specific details and expectations. Be sure to discuss:

• Proof of insurance, including the insurance company name, policy number, and coverage limits.
• Who will manage warranty details and responsibilities.
• A fixed price and clear scope of work before signing a contract.

Be Aware of Warning Signs

While most contractors are honest professionals, there’s still a small percentage who are not. The best way to avoid scams is to work with a trusted local cabinet contractor — and confirm their physical business address and licensing where applicable.

Here are additional warning signs to keep in mind:

• A contractor requests the full project cost or a large cash deposit upfront.
• You’re pressured to sign a contract immediately.
• A quote is a major outlier compared to others without a clear reason (such as different materials or a different scope of work).

Prepare for Your Final Cabinet Contractor Meeting

At your final meeting, review a few key details before the contractor begins your project:

• Reconfirm your initial quote and project scope.
• Agree on a payment plan and schedule.
• Make sure you have a paper trail that includes:
  • Your signed contract
  • Project plans
  • Any change orders
  • Bills and invoices
  • Proof of insurance and required permits
  • Written contractor correspondence

The Modernize Contractor Checklist will help you vet a trusted contractor, so you can feel confident your cabinet replacement project is in good hands. You can also access the interactive checklist by visiting the Modernize Homeowner Portal.