Questions to Ask a Contractor

The Denver Post printed an article on May 18, 2003 containing a list of questions you should ask every perspective contractor. We thought we would answer those questions for you. The intent is to make your selection process easier and give you more confidence in the people you ultimately choose to work with.

1. How long have you been in business? This is an important question considering ninety percent (90%) of new businesses close their doors in the first three years, at times leaving clientele with unfinished projects. Kitchen Masters has been doing interior remodeling in our community for over 36 years.

2. Have you completed projects like mine recently? We renovate an average of forty kitchens annually. They range from extensive projects with walls moved and plumbing relocated to simple cabinet and countertop replacement. We also remodel many bathrooms, family entertainment rooms, basements, and other interior projects each year.

3. Can you provide a list of references? Yes. We will be happy to provide a list of past clients who had a project similar to the one you are contemplating so you will understand the total scope of the undertaking. We also encourage you to visit an ongoing project or a recently completed project. This way you can see the quality of the materials, workmanship and cleanliness. Ask the homeowner if the budget and time schedule commitments were met, and if the overall courtesy and conscientiousness of the workers on the project were satisfactory.

4. To which professional associations do you belong? We are a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Our employees have served on the local Board of Directors. We are also members of the Better Business Bureau. We belong to these associations for your protection and because we believe we must adhere to a code of ethics and commit to continuing education to ensure you have the best-trained professionals working for you.

5. Will you be using subcontractors on this project? Yes. We use a select group of screened contractors with whom we have a long standing working relationship. They adhere to the same high ethical standards as we do. Our in-house installers will complete most of the project. However, the electrical and plumbing segments of your project may require licensed professionals. Specialty tasks such as granite countertops and hardwood refinishing are best left to highly qualified trades people as well.

6. Are you licensed and registered with the state? Yes. Kitchen Masters carries residential general contractor licenses with most Denver-metro communities. We are a registered corporation in good standing in Colorado.

7. Are you insured and covered by worker’s compensation? Yes! We have business liability and worker’s compensation for every employee we bring onto your property and we require the same adherence to the law for all subcontractors to protect you from potential liability against you arising from unforeseen accidents or events on your property during the project.

8. Do you give written warranties? Yes. Our one-year labor workmanship warranty is stated in every agreement.

9. Will my project require a permit? It may. Each municipality has its own set of construction permit requirements and the complexity of your project will be a factor in that decision. Your project is unique and its permitting requirements will be determined individually.