Home / Insights

Choosing the Right Contractor

Finding the right contractor is the part nobody warns you about. The five C's, the questions to ask, how to compare bids, and the red flags worth walking away from.

23 Jun 20265 min read

So you've finally decided to remodel your kitchen. Exciting. Now comes the part nobody warns you about — finding the right contractor.

It's not as simple as searching "kitchen guy near me" and hoping for the best. We've helped Minnesota homeowners navigate this process plenty of times, so here's what actually matters.

SCORE EVERY CONTRACTOR THE SAME WAYSame five criteria, same order, three bidders. Print it and take it with you. CONTRACTOR SCORECARD One sheet per job. Bring it to every visit. CRITERION AND WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE BID 123COMPETENCESpecialises in kitchens, not a bit of everythingCREDENTIALSLicence number given, and you checked itCOVERAGELiability and workers' comp, both seenCOMMUNICATIONReplies in hours, not days, before you hireCOMFORTYou can ask a dumb question without a sigh A dodged question is an answer. D1 — SCORECARD PRINT AND BRING IT FIG. 1 NTS
Fig. 1 — A scorecard you can print. Same five criteria, same order, three bidders side by side.

What should I look for in a contractor?

Think of it as the five C's. Not the most original system, but it works:

  • Competence. Do they specialise in kitchen remodels, or do they "do a little of everything"? Specialists get better results.
  • Credentials. Licensed, bonded, insured. Don't just ask — verify. A contractor who gets offended by that question is a contractor to avoid.
  • Coverage. Liability insurance and workers' comp protect you if something goes sideways on the job. And things can go sideways.
  • Communication. You're going to be talking to this person a lot. If they take four days to answer a simple email before you've even hired them, imagine during construction.
  • Comfort. Trust your gut. You should feel like you can ask a dumb question without getting judged.

Where do I even start looking?

Ask your neighbours and friends first — word of mouth is still the most reliable filter there is. Then check Google reviews and look at their portfolio. If their website shows kitchens that match your style, that's a good sign.

Also verify their license with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. It takes two minutes and could save you a major headache.

Questions to ask during the interview

Yes, you should interview contractors — at least three of them, with the same questions, so you can actually compare like for like:

  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • Can I see examples of recent kitchen projects?
  • How do you handle permits and inspections?
  • Do you use subcontractors, and are they insured too?
  • How do you communicate updates throughout the project?
  • What's a realistic timeline for a project like mine?

If someone dodges a question or gives you a vague non-answer, that's data.

How do I compare bids?

Here's the golden rule: the cheapest bid is not automatically the best bid. Somebody underbidding by 30 percent either forgot something or plans to make it up later with change orders.

THE CHEAP BID, SIDE BY SIDESame kitchen, same scope. Two things are missing from the one on the right. BID A — COMPLETEESTIMATE — KITCHEN REMODELLabour26,800Materials15,700Permits3,700Payment schedule4 stagesTOTAL$46,200BID C — 30% CHEAPERESTIMATE — KITCHEN REMODELLabour20,100Materials12,300Permits — no line at allDeposit50% up frontTOTAL$32,400WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKEEvery line priced, permits named,and money released in stages.TWO RED FLAGSNo permits line, and half the moneybefore anyone lifts a tool. D1 — TWO ESTIMATES ILLUSTRATIVE FIGURES FIG. 2 NTS
Fig. 2 — A complete estimate beside one that is thirty percent cheaper. Two things are missing from the second. Figures are illustrative.

Look for itemised estimates that break out labour, materials, permits and a payment schedule. Make sure there's a written contract with a clear scope of work, a timeline, and a process for handling unexpected issues. If something's unclear, ask before you sign. Once you sign, it gets a lot more complicated.

Red flags that should send you running

  • No proof of license or insurance — a hard no.
  • They want a huge deposit upfront, more than 30 percent — also a hard no.
  • Everything is verbal and nothing is in writing.
  • Reviews that are either suspiciously perfect or full of unresolved complaints.
  • They can start immediately and fit you in next week. During busy season, good contractors book out.

Ready to get started?

Preparation makes the whole process smoother, faster and a lot less stressful. Whether you're still in the dreaming phase or ready to get serious, we're here for the next step.

Request an estimate
Call us Free estimate