General Contractor

General Contractors (GC) may design the kitchen with your input if they are experienced with kitchen materials and layouts or they may rely on the expertise from an Architect or Designer. Their primary responsibility is to execute the project by hiring and scheduling subcontractors, (carpenters, flooring and cabinet installers, tile and stone setters, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, wallpaper hangers, and painters). They will oversee your kitchen construction from beginning to end, obtaining building permits and supervising subcontractors to ensure that all work completed is code-compliant.

General Contractors will bid a project or work on a time and materials basis (it is hard to budget for time and materials because you do not have a specified total cost). Some jobs can be bid at cost per square feet but it is usually limited to quoting floor and countertop materials. Even with a contractor's bid, costs can rise due to unexpected conditions or changes, i.e. unknown or hidden systems (structural, electrical, or plumbing) that are discovered during demolition or your decision to deviate from your original plans. This will result in a delayed completion date and additional expense.

Check to be sure that the contractor(s) and/or installer(s) have all required local and state licenses and adequate insurance (Worker's Compensation, personal liability, and property). You can ask to see their insurance certificate or inquire as to the name of their insurance carrier so you can verify that they are covered. They should also be bonded. A bond is a guarantee that money has been set aside for the completion of the job should something happen to them.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) provides a certification program and a Code of Ethics for the remodeling industry. NARI-certified professionals have submitted themselves to a detailed review and testing process, have proven ethical conduct and technical experience. For more information contact NARI.

To help you find a General Contractor or Subcontractor check with any of the following:
· Your city-for a list of registered and recommended contractors
· National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Inc. (NARI)
· National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
· ImproveNet.com
· Contractor.com
· Everycontractor.com
· Better Business Bureau.