Should I Hire My Friend For My Kitchen Renovation?

Have you ever considered hiring your friend of neighbor for a construction job?  Maybe renovate your kitchen or bathroom?  In looking for a qualified kitchen remodeling company, you may look to your own personal relationships.

A word of warning!!

Doing business, especially in your home, can be an uncomfortable, stressful and a painstaking process. Working with someone you have a personal relationship with can dramatically affect the future of that relationship for a long time to come.  Before deciding to work with someone you know, be sure that relationship can withstand the stress a remodel can create. (more…)

Did You Know? (Finding a Reliable Contractor Pt 3)

“Did you know that most kitchen and bath remodeling
companies in Southern California are not certified by the NKBA?”

National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
http://www.nkba.com   (800) 367-6522

When remodeling your kitchen or bath, working with a certified professional can mean the difference between the end result being a “dream” or a “nightmare.” The NKBA is one of the few non-profit accredited organizations within the remodeling industry.

NKBA members must follow strict standards designed (more…)

Did You Know? (Finding a Reliable Contractor Pt 2)

Did you know some remodeling contractors attempt to hide illegal activities and unfair business practices by opening new licenses?

Did you know a general contractor performing work greater than $500.00 must be licensed by the State of California?

Fortunately for the informed homeowner, any new contractor license issued by the Contractor’s State License Board will be linked to a contractor’s previously issued license(s). This will allow you to investigate the reputation of a contractor. Be sure the contractor selected to remodel your kitchen is legally permitted to perform the work required. A “B-1″ license, or “General” license allows for all trades. Any other license allows for only specific trades to be performed. (more…)

How to Find a Reliable Kitchen Contractor

I’ve been a kitchen designer in the Southern California, Los Angeles area for years.  Here’s some advice I have given my clients before I go to visit their homes.

Ok, you’ve figured out what you want to renovate your kitchen and decided to hire a kitchen renovation company.  Talk to your neighbors, search for companies online, go to home improvement trade shows.

Once you have a list of 3-5 construction company, check out the following: (more…)