How to Compare Two Kitchen Remodel Quotes in Davie

Most people who are thinking of remodeling their kitchen get quotes from two companies. It is not uncommon for quotes for similar projects to be $8,000 apart for projects with an overall cost between $45,000 to $60,000. One company might have a quote that is lower than the other, or the quote could be higher. Should you automatically assume that the company with the lower quote is going to cheat and do shoddy work while the other is charging you an arm and a leg to rip out and replace your kitchen? Not necessarily. Let’s explore the steps you should take before signing off on a quote.

Start With a Side-by-Side Quote Autopsy

Your remodel quote should be a description of the scope of work; https://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statement_of_work is the page that actually explains it. Compare the two side-by-side and try not to focus on the bottom line yet. That should be the last item you evaluate.

Dig into the nitty gritty items. Read through the quotes from top to bottom and determine if they are comparable. If both quotes list cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint, lighting, etc., continue reading each quote to determine if they are comparable. If one contractor included flooring and the other did not, you will need to call the company that excluded flooring and find out if they intentionally did so. If they did, will they include flooring if requested? How much more will flooring add to the final quote?

What Makes Davie Kitchen Quotes Different?

Older homes in Davie can present a number of surprises, including hidden water damage, old plumbing, outdated electrical systems, additions that may not have been documented, uneven walls, and more. When comparing quotes from two contractors for a kitchen remodel, be sure to compare the following:

• Cabinetry: One company may offer better cabinetry for a comparable or even higher price than the other. Look at the cost breakdown to determine whether one company includes installation and the other doesn’t, what materials the cabinet boxes are constructed from, the drawer glides and hardware, additional costs for trim and filler panels, and more.
• Countertops: What type of countertops are being offered? Some companies will provide an allowance for “quartz” without specifying the product. Get specific with the quote. Determine whether templating and installation are included, along with sink cutouts, edge profiles, and removal of your existing counters. Check this out.
• Demolition: Who is removing the current cabinets, flooring, and drywall? Are they taking away the appliances? Who is renting the dumpster and hauling away the materials?
• Electrical: Kitchens require additional electrical work for new appliances, lighting, ventilation, outlets, circuits, and more. Vague descriptions such as “electrical as needed” leave important decisions for later. Ask for specific details.
• Permitting: Older home remodels often require permits. Determine whether drawings are required and who is providing them. Some companies provide a project description and handle the permitting process, while others provide an allowance. Find out who is arranging inspections, paying for corrections if required, and handling other permitting requirements.
• Flooring: Determine how much flooring is included, what type or allowance is provided, and who is removing the existing flooring.
• Appliances: Make sure the quote identifies which appliances are included, along with the make, model, installation requirements, and any associated costs.
• Paint: Ask how much painting is included, which areas will be painted, and whether materials and preparation are covered.
• Lighting: Determine which fixtures are included, whether installation is covered, and whether the quote includes the necessary electrical work.
• Etc.: Look for other potentially overlooked items, such as backsplash, trim, plumbing, ventilation, cleanup, and disposal.

When a quote contains vague descriptions, ask specific questions. What size and style of sink is included? Is the backsplash included? How much paint is provided? What are the make and model of the lighting and appliances? How much flooring is included? Who is removing the old flooring? Who is obtaining the permit and scheduling inspections? Is electrical work included beyond the minimum, or could additional work become a later cost? Are the cabinets, appliances, flooring, and countertops being removed? Who is renting the dumpster? Are allowances being provided for flooring, paint, lighting, cabinets, countertops, and other materials?

Each company formats its quote differently. Some provide a lump sum for cabinets, while others break down each part of the process. A company providing a detailed quote might initially appear more expensive, while another may simply not be listing all of the individual components of the remodel. Look beyond the bottom-line number and make sure you understand exactly what each contractor is including.