The remodeler you hire matters more than the tile you pick. A good one makes the project boring in the best way: predictable price, predictable schedule, no surprises. After three decades in the Richmond market, Kitchen and Bath Experts has heard every reason a project went wrong, and nearly all of them trace back to a question that was never asked. Ask these twelve.
1. Are you licensed in Virginia, and what class?
Virginia requires contractors to hold a license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The license class (A, B or C) sets the dollar value of projects the contractor may take on. Ask for the license number and look it up on DPOR's site. Kitchen and Bath Experts' license information is on our About page [Client to confirm license class and number].
2. Are you insured, and can I see the certificate?
General liability protects your home; workers' compensation protects you if someone is hurt on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you, with current dates.
3. Who will actually be in my house?
Some companies sell the job and subcontract everything. Ask whether the crew is in-house, who the lead on site will be, and who your single point of contact is. One crew and one point of contact is how we run every job.
4. Is the price fixed or an estimate?
An estimate can grow. A fixed-price proposal with a defined scope only changes when you request changes or approve work on hidden conditions. Ask which one you are getting and what happens when something unexpected is found.
5. What exactly is included?
Design, demolition, disposal, permits, materials, installation, painting, cleanup. If any of these are missing from the proposal, ask why. A low number that leaves out permits or disposal is not a low number.
6. Do you handle permits and inspections?
The answer should be yes, without hesitation. See our guide to remodel permits in Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield.
7. Can I see recent local work and talk to those homeowners?
Ask for projects in your area and of a similar scope. Our gallery shows recent Richmond kitchens and baths, and our reviews page links to our public profiles so you can read unfiltered feedback.
8. Where will I choose materials?
Selecting cabinets, counters, tile and fixtures in one place keeps the finishes coordinated and the schedule on track. Ask whether the remodeler has a showroom [Client to confirm] or brings samples to your home, and whether an in-house designer helps you decide.
9. What is the schedule, and is it in writing?
Ask for a written schedule with a start date, milestones and a realistic finish. Ask how material lead times are handled; the best answer is that demolition does not start until cabinets have a confirmed delivery date.
10. How do you communicate during the project?
Daily updates, a weekly walkthrough, a text when the crew leaves for the day. There is no single right system, but there must be one, and you should know who to call.
11. How are changes handled?
Changes happen. Ask for a change-order process: written description, price and schedule impact, your signature before work proceeds.
12. What is the payment schedule?
A reasonable deposit at signing, progress payments tied to milestones, and a final payment after the walkthrough and your sign-off. Be cautious of large upfront payments or cash-only arrangements.
Red flags worth walking away from
- No license number, or one that does not match DPOR records
- A verbal price with nothing in writing
- Pressure to sign today for a discount
- Suggesting you skip permits to save money
- No local address or references
- A price far below every other bid
Why Richmond homeowners choose Kitchen and Bath Experts
Thirty years in business. In-house design, one crew, one contract and one written schedule. Free in-home consultations across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover and the surrounding communities. [Client to confirm: family-owned wording.] The best way to judge us is to ask us these twelve questions yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How many bids should I get? Two or three from comparable, licensed remodelers. More than that tends to add confusion, not clarity.
Should I choose the lowest bid? Compare scope first. Bids that include the same work are rarely far apart; a big gap usually means something is missing.
How far in advance should I book? Good remodelers in the Richmond area often book several weeks to a few months out, and cabinet lead times add more. Start conversations early.
Ask us anything
Bring this list to your consultation. Schedule a free in-home estimate and we will answer every question with specifics.