BUILDING YOUR TEAM

Hiring the right people is just as important as designing the right kitchen. Whether you're managing the renovation yourself or planning to work with a team, it’s essential to know who to hire, what to ask, and how to protect yourself.

Professionals You Might Need:

  • General Contractor

  • Architect

  • Interior Designer

  • Kitchen and Bath Designer

Questions You Should Ask Any Potential Professional

Meet with a minimum of three referrals.

  • Speak with previous clients.

  • Visit completed projects.

  • Ask if their typical project size and scope matches your own.

Request and review documentation.

  • Years in business (ideally local)

  • Business license

  • Certificate of insurance (including workman’s comp, liability, and property damage)

Understand project oversight.

  • Who will be the point person for your project?

  • How often will they be on-site?

  • How frequently will you meet?

Ask about recent project performance.

  • Were their last three projects on time and on budget?

  • What caused any discrepancies?

Always have a contract.

General Contractor

Hiring a qualified GC is half the battle. They oversee construction, manage subs, and keep your project on track.

Questions to Ask:

  • How many years in business?

  • Do you have a valid business license and insurance?

  • Will you obtain permits? Do you have helpful city contacts?

  • Can you work around a family living in the home during renovation?

  • How do you handle dust control and daily clean-up?

  • Can you recommend cabinet or fixture vendors?

How to Find One:

  • Ask friends and family.

  • Check with local plumbing, tile, lighting, and appliance retailers.

Relationship Tips:

  • Schedule weekly meetings in advance.

  • Get everything in writing.

  • Set clear site rules and expectations.

  • Stay respectful and calm—even when issues arise.

Notes on Budget:

  • Contractors OFTEN provide allowances for finishes (cabinets, counters, lighting). These may not match your preferences—research and plug real costs into your budget.

  • Cheapest quote isn’t always the best. Often you get what you pay for.

  • If the right contractor is busy, wait for them. Quality matters.

  • Know that a contractor can't finalize your bid until you know your kitchen layout and specifications.

  • Budget allowances can differ drastically—get real numbers and compare.

Architect or Interior Designer

We strongly recommend hiring a designer or architect. Even if it’s just for layout and material selection, their input is invaluable.

Questions to Ask:

  • How do you charge (hourly vs. % of budget)?

  • Do you coordinate with contractors and subs?

  • Who pays if your plans contain an error?

  • What’s your fee structure and deliverables?

  • Will you do interior elevations and lighting plans?

  • Do you draw in furniture or design with existing conditions in mind?

  • Will you meet on-site? With the builder?

Kitchen Design Showrooms

In-house designers often provide plans at no extra cost. Just know they’ll sell only the lines they carry.

Questions to Ask:

  • What happens if something arrives damaged?

  • Will they return to adjust and punchlist cabinetry?

  • Who installs their cabinets? Are they responsible for installer damage?

  • Do they have long-term cabinet touch-up or repair services?

  • How is the paint applied? Is it durable?

  • Do they coordinate with fabricators and contractors?

  • Who takes final measurements?

  • Will they tape off the layout on-site before ordering?

Local Cabinet Maker

Great option for fully custom cabinetry.

Questions to Ask:

  • How is the paint applied? Is it included?

  • What’s the paint’s durability?

  • What happens when the paint chips?

  • Where do the doors come from?

  • Do they do accessories (cutlery dividers, dish pegs, mesh fronts, glass fronts)

  • Is there a warranty?

  • What hardware is used (hinges, glides, etc.)?

  • Will they provide shop drawings and collaborate on layout?


THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Once you have established your team, you must obtain and have contracts signed by both parties. Here is what they should include:

  • Entire scope of work, with materials specified (including brand names)

  • Start and completion dates

  • Full project timeline with actual milestones and dates

  • Total cost, including detailed payment schedule

  • Clear responsibilities for each party involved

  • Contact information: phone numbers, addresses, and license numbers

  • Statement of responsibilities and exclusions

  • Clarification of who handles waste removal

  • Terms for binding arbitration (if applicable)

  • Change order procedures and costs

  • Requirement for a completed punchlist before final payment

  • Signed lien releases from each contractor or vendor (consult legal advisor)

Key Players - The Team

Here’s a breakdown of who homeowners need to talk to for each major budget item in a kitchen renovation. This ensures they get the most realistic and accurate cost estimates. Also it is helpful to know in advance who is responsible for buying what.

1. Structural & Permits

  • General Contractor – Provides a full project estimate, oversees all trades.

  • Architect – Required if removing walls or making structural changes; creates permit drawings.

  • Structural Engineer – If modifying load-bearing walls, adding beams, or altering foundation.

  • Permit Office (Local Building Department) – Confirms what permits are required and associated costs.

2. Kitchen Design & Layout

  • Kitchen Designer – Helps with layout, storage solutions, cabinet configuration.

  • Interior Designer – If selecting finishes, colors, and styling beyond the kitchen layout.

3. Cabinetry & Storage

  • Cabinet Maker or Supplier – Provides pricing for custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinets.

  • General Contractor – For installation costs.

4. Countertops

  • Stone Fabricator – Provides estimates for quartz, granite, marble, etc.

  • General Contractor – For labor costs related to countertop installation.

5. Backsplash

  • Tile Supplier – For material costs.

  • Tile Installer (or General Contractor) – For installation labor and materials (grout, adhesives).

6. Flooring

  • Flooring Supplier – Provides costs for hardwood, tile, LVP, etc.

  • General Contractor or Flooring Installer – For labor costs.

7. Appliances

  • Appliance Showroom or Supplier – For costs on refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, etc.

  • General Contractor or Electrician/Plumber – For installation (GC or by who Appliances are purchased from) and connection costs.

  • It is important to know who is installing the appliances. Confirm what is best for the warranty. Also the install cost should be included in the budget.

8. Plumbing & Fixtures

  • Plumber – For sink, faucet, garbage disposal, pot filler, water lines, gas lines.

  • Plumbing Supply Store – For fixtures and materials pricing.

9. Electrical & Lighting

  • Electrician – For wiring, outlets, under-cabinet lighting, and general lighting installation.

  • Lighting Showroom – For fixture pricing.

  • General Contractor – For installation labor if included in scope.

10. Hardware (Knobs, Pulls, Hinges, etc.)

  • Hardware Supplier – For pricing on handles, knobs, and pulls.

  • General Contractor or Cabinet Installer – For installation labor.

11. Paint & Wall Finishes

  • Painter or General Contractor – For labor costs.

  • Paint Store (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, etc.) – For materials pricing.

12. Smart Home & Technology

  • Smart Home Specialist or Electrician – For voice-activated lighting, security cameras, etc.

  • Retailer (Best Buy, Amazon, etc.) – For pricing on smart appliances and devices.

13. Furnishings & Accessories

  • Interior Designer – If selecting stools, rugs, window treatments, decor.

  • Furniture Retailers – For pricing on stools, dining chairs, tables, etc.

14. Contingency & Unexpected Costs

  • General Contractor – Can help estimate potential overruns.

  • Other Homeowners (References) – Asking people who’ve done renovations can reveal hidden costs.