Dealing Successfully With Kitchen Contractors and Tradespeople
For a kitchen remodeling to run smoothly and according to plan, the kitchen contractors need to be available
when you require them to do work in your kitchen.
If not, delays are inevitable and have a
'knock-on' effect where the other contractors will delay their work because it is dependent on the
other's being done first!
This can all be avoided (in theory!) if you are able to communicate clearly with the tradespeople
you'll employ, and if they are reliable.
Here are some tips for establishing successful partnerships with contractors:
When you are still in the planning stages of your kitchen remodeling, you will be
wanting to talk to tradespeople to ask their advice about moving anything around, such as the plumbing and electricity,
and also for quotes on the work needed.
Ask around for recommendations for the best electrician, plumber, tiler, carpenter and plasterer in your locality.
The most desirable are good tradespeople, honest and reliable, and easy to contact.
Ask 2 or 3 representing each trade to come and give a quote so that you can meet them and compare prices.
Ask to see their licenses and enquire about their back-up services.
Check their availability over the time you'll need them. And ask them if you can do anything to help...
perhaps dig a trench, to lower the labor costs.
Out of courtesy, call the ones you aren't employing, to thank them for their time.
Arrange a key for the work to be done while you are at work, if necessary.
Often a plumber offers services as a gas-fitter too. It is more convenient to use one reliable person that two if you can.
You'll mostly need to book tradespeople 2 weeks in advance...depending upon how busy it is in the construction business.
Ask your kitchen contractors about eco-friendly solutions for your kitchen. These include water-saving faucets,
grey-water recycling, solar heated hot water, LED lighting, a waste recycling unit, and recyclable materials in your design.
Your plumber and electrician will need to come back after the installation of cabinets and sinks
is done, to connect them all, along with the new appliances.
Your tiler (if you are tiling
backsplash and / or floors) will be needed when the installations are done, but before
the walls are painted. The floor can be protected with drop sheets if necessary.
Your carpenter and builder may be needed early on once the old kitchen has been removed, to
do any construction work, such as creating a new window or getting rid of a wall.
Pay people on time!
Always treat your tradespeople with courtesy and respect, and if you make an appointment, ensure you are there on time,
or you can hardly blame them for being late the next time!
We have found that if you treat the kitchen contractors you use this way,
they will give of their best to you and your project...and everyone remains happy with the processes and the outcomes.
If you are going to renovate another kitchen in the near future, if you have chosen your
contractors wisely, and they perform well for you, you have the easy job of being able to use them again.
This means that you build a team of people who trust one another and work well together. A great way to get things done, isn't it?
What will the kitchen of tomorrow look like?
Use eco friendly countertops - see the latest here...
Spanish kitchen - easy tips to create one full of authenticity and warmth!
For more free information about deciding to renovate
More tips and ideas about remodeling your kitchen
From kitchen contractors go to home page, clever-kitchen-designs.com
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