So, you’ve decided to give your kitchen a new look. Maybe you want to create a space that works for your growing family, improve its functionality and eliminate inconvenience, or simply boost your home’s resale value.
No matter your reason, hiring a knowledgeable and experienced general contractor is a must. Renovating your kitchen is, after all, a big undertaking, considering all the effort, time and cost. And some jobs, especially the technical ones, should be left to professionals. Even if the project costs more than it would if you did it on your own (that includes help from friends and family), it’s worth the perfection and peace of mind.
7 Reasons to Hire a General Contractor for Your Kitchen Renovation
When it comes to kitchen renovations, a lot of people choose to go DIY because it’s relatively inexpensive and (presumably) takes less time. But, this isn’t always the case. Hiring a professional contractor will save you time and money in the long run while delivering flawless results. They’ll also relieve you of the hassle and exhaustion that comes with DIY projects and significantly reduce the risk of the project going off the rails.
Here are some of the biggest advantages of hiring a general contractor for your kitchen remodel.
1. Professional Guidance
A professional contractor can advise you on which materials to use in your kitchen depending on your needs and budget. A trustworthy licensed contractor has your best interests at heart and will advise you on the right materials for kitchen countertop, backsplash, sink and flooring.
If you have many design ideas for your kitchen but find it difficult to express them, a general contractor can help. They’ll consider your needs, preferences and kitchen layout, and help create a plan that’s perfect for you. From working on interior designs to choosing functional fixtures, they do it all to create your dream cooking space. They’ll also take care of the technical aspects of such a big project, like taking down walls or changing your kitchen’s existing layout.
2. Proper Coding and Licensing
With wall rearrangements, space additions and other major changes, you need to ensure that your kitchen meets local construction codes. Any fault or negligence on your part can cause you legal problems. When you hire a licensed general contractor, you can rest assured knowing that they’ll work according to the rules.
If you handle the project yourself and something goes wrong, you’re solely responsible. But if you hire a general contractor, everything will be covered by their liability insurance. If you have multiple projects going on and have different handymen working on them, you’re taking a big risk if they’re uninsured. To enjoy peace of mind, hire an insured contractor for all your projects instead.
3. Knowledge and Expertise
When your home’s looks, value and functionality are at stake, it’s best to work with an experienced general contractor. Knowledge and expertise, after all, aren’t qualities you’ll find on every DIY YouTube video. Contractors know your existing kitchen plan and the sequence of construction work necessary to successfully complete your renovation. They are also knowledgeable about local building codes and know which permits need to be obtained. Simply tell them your requirements and they’ll do all the arranging, coordinating and scheduling to get your project done on time. Instead of having to call several subcontractors and suppliers, everything will be communicated via the general contractor.
4. Time-Efficiency
If you try to do the renovations yourself, you’ll spend a lot of time (and possibly money) researching how to do the project, not to mention buying the right tools. Obviously, you’ll take much longer to complete the project than if you’d hired a contractor. A professional knows when to use subcontractors to get the job completed on time, which makes the entire process faster, smoother and more efficient.
5. Post-Completion Support
An experienced remodeling contractor will warranty their work and provide post-completion support. So, in case something goes wrong in the months after the project is completed, they’ll fix it. By contrast, if you tackle the project yourself, you’ll either need to do the repairs yourself or hire a handyperson. Neither of these options is convenient.
6. Affordability
When you choose a general contractor for your renovation, you can save big on many costly items. Any experienced and reputable general contractor will have a large network of suppliers to provide construction materials at a discounted rate. Over their years of work, they develop trusted relationships with suppliers in the industry, which allows them to procure materials at lower costs.
In most cases, if you undertake a home renovation project, the entire process will cost more time, energy and money than you were expecting. A professional contractor will be able to estimate the cost of materials, plan for potential problems, and ultimately save you money.
7. Quick Approval
Did you know that certain construction projects require the approval of the local government? This legal process can take weeks or even months before your project and permits are approved. A professional contractor (thanks to their extensive knowledge and contacts) will know what steps to take in order to get your application approved as quickly as possible.
We all make mistakes, but there’s no room for them when it comes to home improvement. If you’re renovating your kitchen yourself, your mistakes are likely to be costly given that you’re not a professional. You may have to purchase more materials than you expected or hire someone to fix any damage. Hiring a general contractor will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure flawless results.