10 Tests for You And Your Contractor’s First Meeting
_sophiewheeler
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (90)
teresale2013
5 years agosushipup1
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoRelated Discussions
FAQ: Other Items of Interest
Comments (9)Local Custom Cabinetmakers -- Good or Bad? This topic is again becoming common, so I am posting what I've posted in the past. In addition, see this thread (https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/2679023/custom-cabinets-really-cheaper-than-stock) and the post from GreenDesigns about half-way down. ++++++++++++++++++++ Just a word of caution..."local (custom) cabinetmaker" is thrown around here a lot with the implication they are superior to the various cabinet manufacturers. They may be, but there is no guarantee. "Local custom cabinetmaker" does not necessarily equate to "high quality" or "low cost". There are many very good custom cabinetmakers out there, but there are many not-so-good ones as well. Just b/c someone is a "custom cabinetmaker" does not make him/her a good cabinetmaker. And, it's not just their skill at cabinetry...how are their business skills? E.g., How are they at meeting schedules? Do they stay within the cost they quote you? How do they deal with issues? What is their warranty? What recourse do you have if they drop the ball? Sometimes you can go "over the heads" of people at cabinet stores or even go to the manufacturer (at least for warranty issues), but you might not have that option with a local cabinetmaker. If you go this route, be very diligent in your research: Contact several recent references, including at least one who had problems so you can see how s/he handled those problems. Ask about: -- How was the cabinetmaker at keeping to the schedule she promised? -- Did the cabinetmaker stick pretty close to the cost estimate given to the customer (no hidden fees, undeclared upgrades, etc.)? -- Did the cabinetmaker let the customer see a sample of their cabinet order for approval of the finish, quality, etc., prior to completing the entire order? -- How did the cabinetmaker handle construction issues? -- How did the cabinetmaker handle installation issues? Contact several not-so-recent references, ask them how their cabinets are holding up (joints, face frames, drawers, doors, finish, etc.). Try for some at least 5 years old and at least 10 years old. See actual installed kitchens with the same type of cabinets you are looking for: -- Type: frameless, framed overlay (partial or full), inset -- Wood species: cherry, maple, alder, oak, etc. -- Finish: stained, glazed, painted Look at the construction details: Wall thicknesses, box material (plywood, MDF, etc.), interior finishes, box construction (joining, etc.), drawer construction, shelving, etc. What is the cabinetmaker's warranty on his/her products? 5 years? 10 years? 20 years? Lifetime? Does the cabinetmaker have a kitchen designer s/he works with or does the cabinetmaker do the designing? Is the cabinetmaker open to working with you as a designer or with a kitchen designer you hire independently from them? [You really should work with a good designer to catch the "details" that might be missed by you and/or us (most of us are not pros)] How is the cabinetmaker with "unusual" requests? (Farmhouse/apron sinks, deeper cabinets, deeper drawers, toekick drawers, inset cabinets, etc.) These are all the same questions you should ask of a manufacturing line as well, but all these things are usually spelled out somewhere and they have staff who specialize in these areas. You usually have some "standard" recourses if there are problems. In addition, their quality, including finishes and construction, are generally pretty consistent (yes, there are glitches occasionally) and they have the advantage for those finishes that are better when manufactured than when done by hand. I'm not saying don't look into local cabinetmakers, I'm saying be careful. We have had several threads where people have gone this route and have had major issues in all the areas above...construction quality, finish quality, installation issues, difficult to work with, etc. And yes, there have been similar threads from those using cabinet companies (but those are usually resolved fairly quickly once the person gets up the courage to say something.) If you can find a great local custom cabinetmaker that has wonderful quality at a price you're willing to pay, then by all means, go with them...just do your research. Good luck!...See MoreKitchen remodel process questions.
Comments (25)We only interviewed *1* contractor. This was for a whole house remodel/addition - including the kitchen overhaul. We called several contractors; they told us to call them back after when we had completed drawings for the project. This contractor ("GC") asked to be present at our first meeting with the designer. This first meeting with the designer took place during the house inspection (we were in the process of buying the house); GC attended that meeting. He arrived on time, gave advice about the project; he acted like we had already signed the contract with him, even though we had just met. Shortly after we had the drawings, GC asked to do a walk through with his subcontractors. He brought them out, handed them their sets of plans (that he had printed for them), and discussed the entire project - again, acting like he had already signed the contract with us (he hadn't). A short time later he stopped at the lumber yard and brought us a borrowed set of siding samples to help us make a decision about which siding to use. I know that the "rule" is that you should get bids from at least 3 contractors for any project, but GC has a great reputation, and although we did trim a few things from his bid, we think he is being fair. We aren't builders (although we have some knowledge of the process; my husband is an engineer), so we couldn't completely evaluate an estimate. And - GC has been an integral part of this project from the very beginning, effectively edging out any other contractors (in a nice way). Frankly, I admire his technique! I think he'll do a good job. We still haven't signed a contract with GC - expect to do that this week. Which is a good thing, since he has been busy getting his subcontractors in place - we need to make the deal official before he actually starts work. :-) Short answer: I don't think multiple bids are necessary. Ask around. If the contractor has a great reputation and if you are comfortable with him, that may be enough....See MoreSmall master remodeling cost
Comments (29)As far as materials go, you might be surprised what Home Depot sells. I'm not talking about what is immediately available in the stores, although I have used the Daltile subway tile before and it worked out great. They sell a huge number of tiles and other things online that they don't carry in-store. They buy from manufacturers such as Emser and Daltile and it's exactly the same tile as if you go to ProSource or to the manufacture directly. For 3 upstairs bathroom remodels, we ordered all of the tile and most of the rest of the materials off of HD online, to be delivered to the store for pick up, including the toilets, lights, shower tile, floor tile, etc. I had to immediately return some of the tiles, right there at the pick up desk, because it's sometimes hard to see exactly what something looks like online, but only a couple times. My tile pro approved all the choices and if he didn't I returned it. I bought my tubs and chrome Delta fixtures from Fergusons because their prices were almost exactly the same as HD and I like their customer service. One of the reasons we decided to do this is that our Amex points no longer work on the airline that is hubbed in our city, so the points were just sitting there unused. We bought a bunch of HD gift cards to buy almost all of the materials to ease the cash-flow situation. So, if you have Amex points, that might be a nice use for them. About the skills of the tile professional: IMO the tile pro is the most important person on the worksite. You've got to have an experienced, skilled pro for a tiled shower who will build it and waterproof it properly. That skill costs money. If your GC, or the person in the bathroom showroom you talked to, hires a cheap hack to do the tile work, you can't even be assured of proper waterproofing. Ask them to explain to you what methods and materials they use for building and waterproofing the shower. They should be able to explain it to you clearly (and it should be detailed in the contract). If you're unsure of what they tell you (and the language in the contract), you can post on here to ask the pros is it s correct. A skilled tile pro can make low and mid-priced materials look like a million bucks just as a hack can ruin your expensive materials....See MoreTips or a website on soliciting renovation bids?
Comments (23)I agree with Charles Ross Homes. When we finished our basement a couple of years ago, it took us about 6 months, and interviews with 7 different contractors, to find one that we were comfortable with. We had contractors that we met with for at least 2 hours; because we were working with such a blank slate, they gave us good ideas, things we hadn't thought about. The more we interviewed, the more we then knew what direction we wanted to go in. I will add that we are thorough, probably to a fault. We research everything but didn't want to come across as know it alls just because we knew how to use Google. The contractor we felt most comfortable with we went back and forth with a few times before we actually signed the contract. We both didn't want to waste each other's time but at the same time, he knew it was a big decision and didn't pressure us. Fortunately we were happy with the company we used and recommended them to friends. In other words, take your time. This is a big investment of both your time and money. FWIW, I don't ever want to go through a major remodel like that again. I wanted to move to a house that already had a finished basement, but I lost that argument....See MoreLove stone homes
5 years agoJoanna Cucchi
5 years agobbtrix
5 years agoZalco/bring back Sophie!
5 years agoteresale2013
5 years agoLove stone homes
5 years agoJanet
5 years agoLove stone homes
5 years agomjlb
5 years agobailey183913
5 years agoUser
5 years agoLove stone homes
5 years agoAnthony Perez
5 years agoCarolyn K
5 years agodenabadgett
5 years agoKristin S
5 years agojellytoast
5 years agoKristin S
5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agojmm1837
5 years agobeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agoRita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
5 years agobeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
5 years agoRita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
5 years agoRita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
5 years agozmith
5 years agoaprilneverends
5 years agoLove stone homes
5 years agoleela4
5 years agodabjg
5 years agoBoxerpal
5 years agosaratogaswizzlestick
5 years agogroveraxle
5 years agojmm1837
5 years agoZalco/bring back Sophie!
5 years agochispa
5 years agoBuehl
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agoJanie Gibbs-BRING SOPHIE BACK
5 years agomiss lindsey (She/Her)
5 years agolindamarie1
5 years agoZalco/bring back Sophie!
5 years agoBuehl
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
Related Stories
CONTRACTOR TIPSHow to Check the Quality of a Contractor’s Work
Make sure your remodeler lives up to promises and expectations before you make the hire
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor's Tips: 10 Things Your Contractor Might Not Tell You
Climbing through your closets and fielding design issues galore, your contractor might stay mum. Here's what you're missing
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: 10 Hats Your General Contractor Wears
Therapist, financial advisor, mediator — for the price of a single good contractor on your remodel, you're actually getting 10 jobs done
Full StoryCONTRACTOR TIPS10 Things to Discuss With Your Contractor Before Work Starts
Have a meeting a week before hammers and shovels fly to make sure everyone’s on the same page
Full StoryWORKING WITH PROS10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics
Full StoryLIFEWorld of Design: Discoveries of 10 First-Time Homeowners
See how people around the globe have shaped their starter houses and made them their own
Full StoryMOST POPULARContractor Tips: Top 10 Home Remodeling Don'ts
Help your home renovation go smoothly and stay on budget with this wise advice from a pro
Full StoryMOST POPULAR10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project
Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises along the way
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESCan Your Potential Contractor Pass These ‘Dealbreaker’ Tests?
Ask yourself these 5 questions before hiring a remodeler
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSEA Designer’s Top 10 Tips for Increasing Home Value
These suggestions for decorating, remodeling and adding storage will help your home stand out on the market
Full StoryMost Skilled Home Improvement Specialists in Franklin County
bbtrix