A tick-box checklist to complete before you sign a contract or place a deposit.
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Use this checklist before you sign anything. It is organized into three groups: planning, hiring and contract review. Tick each item as you complete it; your progress is saved in your browser on this device only, so it will not travel with you to another computer.
The list is a starting point, not a legal document, and it cannot cover every state's rules. Contractor licensing, deposit limits, permit requirements and lien law differ widely across the country, so confirm the details with your state's contractor licensing board, your local building department and, for large projects or disputes, a qualified attorney.
Work through the planning items first, since a clear scope is what makes bids comparable. A vague scope is the most common reason two quotes for the same kitchen differ by thousands of dollars. Then move on to hiring and contract items. If a contractor resists any of the contract items on the list, such as itemized bids, proof of insurance or milestone payments, treat that as useful information about how the project would go.
Getting Started
Choose a kitchen remodeler with confidence: compare designer, design-build and general contractor models, verify license and insurance, check references and review the contract.
Getting Started
A practical step-by-step guide to starting a kitchen remodel: set goals and budget, measure the room, plan the layout, collect bids and sign a solid contract.
Getting Started
When a kitchen remodel needs a permit, which rules apply (electrical, plumbing, lead-safe work) and the contracts, insurance and paperwork to collect before you start.
Mistakes and FAQ
Learn the warning signs of home improvement scams and unreliable kitchen contractors, from big deposits and door-to-door pitches to missing licenses, and how to protect yourself.
Getting Started
How long a kitchen remodel takes, phase by phase: design, ordering, demolition, rough-in, inspections, cabinets, counters, finishes and the final walk-through.
