You’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on that kitchen or bath remodel you’ve been dreaming of. Now what? How do you make sure that you’re going to get what you pay for? How do you know if your fabricator or contractor is who they say they are?

Our showroom in Westwood, MA

If you’ve been through a remodel before, you may have learned the hard way. If you’re new to such a large-scale home improvement project, Marble and Granite, Inc. has some advice for selecting the right professional partners.

To be sure you’re hiring the right professional for your kitchen or bath project, ask a lot of questions. There will probably be some challenges and surprises along the way, so make sure you’ve selected somebody with whom you feel comfortable communicating. Having somebody who listens to your concerns and ideas, and puts you at ease, will make the process far more pleasant.

Just how experienced is the fabricator or contractor? The only way to know for sure is by asking them how long they’ve been in the game. Inquire about how they acquired their skills. Find out what kind of education, training, and certifications they have undergone. Ask them if they belong to any local or national trade associations, such as the Marble Institute of America (MIA) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Ask to see photos of completed projects. They should be proud to show off their portfolio. Also don’t be shy about asking for references. It may also be helpful to know how much of their business comes from referrals and repeat customers. Bottom line…if you can’t find multiple customers who give glowing recommendations, you may want to keep searching. It’s also completely appropriate to ask for a list of suppliers they work with. These businesses should also be able to help verify a proven track record of good work. 

Remember that while it’s important to obtain and compare estimates, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Everyone wants a good deal, but a significantly lower price can sometimes mean significantly less quality, inferior service, and inconsistent product. One way to verify quality, ask to visit the company’s fabrication facility. This is a great way to ensure that your project is being completed using top-notch equipment… and that it isn’t being fabricated somewhere in somebody’s garage.

Be sure to inquire about the company’s state contractor’s license, insurance, and workers compensation policies. Also ask if they are bonded. “Fully insured and bonded” generally means that the contractor’s insurance coverage protects against accidents…ultimately providing important protection for you. You may also want to look into reviews and ratings through the Better Business Bureau, Yelp.com, Angi.com and other outlets that compile business ratings. 

Above all else, be sure you feel comfortable discussing your questions and concerns. A good fabricator or contractor will be happy to listen to you and address all of your needs to your total satisfaction.