Finding a reliable cabinet refinishing contractor can be challenging, especially if you don’t know much about kitchen cabinet design and operation. After all, a professional refinisher might not be able to see the whole picture as clearly as you can. You need someone who knows what they’re looking for, as well as what your kitchen cabinets look like now. But how do you get started? Here are a few tips.

Look for reviews of kitchen cabinet refacing companies online and in print. Some customers will list all of the pros and cons of different companies, and you can learn a lot from these. Read the comments of people who have previously used a certain cabinet refacing contractor, too. Anyone willing to post a review will be more than happy to tell you about their experience.

Consider talking to friends or coworkers who have had work done recently. You can get an idea of how the contractor works by asking for a quote from one and then comparing it to the price you’re quoted by another contractor. It’s also a good idea to talk to a former customer of the same company, since they may be able to pass along some good information about them. Another option is to contact a local cabinetmaker, who can also provide some useful input.

Check out the history of a company’s website – look for reviews, past jobs, and certifications. This can give you a good idea of how trustworthy they are. Do a search on Google for a particular company name, and then see what other people say. Also, check out the Better Business Bureau for any reports of complaints filed against the company. A good contractor should have no problems with this.

Ask about kitchen cabinet doors, too. Many companies will sell their products as individual pieces, but it is often cheaper to buy a cabinet door from them as a set. It will be easier to find replacement parts for the doors if you need to repair them in the future. Search cabinet door types online and finds the widest range of choices. You can also compare prices between manufacturers to get the best overall deal.

Find out more about the types of materials used for cabinet surfaces. Are they using low-end vinyl for cupboards? Is it more cost-efficient to use stainless steel or something else? If you already have cabinets installed, ask your cabinet refinishing contractor for a sample so that you can compare the quality to your original.

Get several quotes before you commit to a specific kitchen designer or contractor. Many companies will work with customers on a per-customer basis if only paying for a single project. Some will also take on larger jobs at a more competitive rate if you also hire them for the job. Make sure that you are getting a fair price for the time and effort that you are putting into the project.

Make sure that your cabinet designer knows about the different types of cabinetry available. They should know how to install cabinets of all kinds, including new ones. They should also have experience installing doors, particularly if your kitchen has an existing sliding door setup. Finally, check with the company on warranties and guarantees. Guarantees are important because you don’t want to have to return a completed cabinet. After all, it does not live up to your expectations.

When you have narrowed down your choices to a handful of cabinet refacing companies, schedule an initial consultation appointment. The goal of the appointment is to determine whether you want to work with one company, or several, to complete your project. It will also help to determine the amount of time you have to spend on the project so that you don’t end up hiring another company at the last minute.

Find out what other customers have to say about the various companies you are considering. You can find reviews online and also ask for recommendations from friends who have had experience with various companies. You might also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company in the past. If you find any, take them seriously and make sure they are resolved quickly.