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.