Having your kitchen cabinets refaced can be very exciting. Unfortunately, things don’t always go according to plan. There are a few things you should keep in mind when having your cabinets refaced.
The following guide covers red flags to watch out for when getting your cabinets refaced. Some are issues to look out for when choosing a contractor, and some are things to keep in mind when making decisions about your kitchen.
No Contract
It’s in the name, contractor, and contract. If your contractor doesn’t want to sign a contract, that’s a big red flag. That is a sure sign of shady business practices. Always insist on having signed papers when hiring a contractor to do cabinet refacing. This protects you as well as the contractor and provides proof of the agreement.
Cash Only
You may encounter contractors that insist on cash payment or full payment upfront. Unfortunately, this can be a sign of a fraudulent contractor. As you probably know, cash is untraceable. Someone insisting on cash-only payments could be planning on cheating you by not doing the work properly. A reputable contractor would have a payment schedule set up, with milestones for their work, and would require only a deposit upfront.
The Work is Rushed
We all hate it when a home-improvement project drags on and on, causing stress in our day-to-day lives. It is great when the work gets done in a timely manner.
However, it is better for the work to take longer and be done properly, than for the work to be rushed and done shoddily. If you notice your cabinet refacing contractor is cutting corners in their work or if they don’t want to wait for the proper permits, they are rushing their work. This is a huge red flag that homeowners need to watch out for.
No License or Insurance
Getting a bargain deal feels great. If a friend, or a friend of a friend, says they can do the job for cheap, why not take advantage of it?
Unfortunately, relying on friends to do your cabinet refacing can lead to shoddy work. Hiring someone who is unlicensed or who does not have insurance, can end up costing you a lot of stress and money down the line. It is best to hire a licensed professional with insurance.
Poor Attention to Detail
When it comes to cabinet refacing, thorough planning is important. Every inch of the kitchen needs to be measured and accounted for.
You don’t want the new refacing to conflict with the use of any spaces or appliances. Odd corners, cabinets, floors, additional workspaces, and appliances all must be measured and accounted for in order for your kitchen to function properly.
Inferior Materials
Whether it is a DIY or contractor cabinet refacing job, homeowners must be wary of substandard materials. It can be tempting to use cheaper materials to save a few bucks, but it could cost you down the line.
Cheaper materials are often less likely to stand up to wear and tear and may bow or weaken easily. They could also be more prone to water damage. When getting cabinets refaced, it is important to use high-quality materials that will last.
Mismatched Style or Color
When choosing how you want your cabinets refaced be careful not to choose mismatched styles or colors. When color and style clash, it can be off putting. Cool colors and warm colors, for instance, don’t work well together. To avoid any issues with clashing, make good use of color swatches to make sure you choose the best colors and styles to suit your needs.
For more information on kitchen cabinet refacing, visit our blog, or contact Cabinet Refacing for a consultation.