Contractor versus big box outsourcing and associated contractors
My advice is to always find a reputable independent contractor to do any major remodeling and renovation work instead of going to Home Depot and using their design services.
We are now in the phase of transforming a wet bar in the basement into a real kitchen. We decided to try three different approaches:
- Use the same contractor who completed our kitchen/dining remodel as well as a bathroom remodel.
- Go to Home Depot and have a kitchen designer as our contractor.
- Go through IKEA and use its design consultant as our contractor.
IKEA:
Pros: When I emailed for a measurement appointment and in-store design appointment, I heard back from them in the promised 24-48-hour window. Someone sent up the home measurement appointment for me -- I was not able to choose the time or date -- and sent me a link to pay the $79 fee to the third party (Traemand). The measurement service is $20 less than what Home Depot charges.
Cons: Completely impossible to reach the local IKEA to speak directly to someone about the project. The customer service line was often so busy during the day that I couldn't even get on hold for a rep; the system just ended the call and said to call back.
Home Depot:
Pros: It's very easy to make an appointment online then go to discuss the project in-store and view samples. The third-party measurement service for cabinets was on time and very professional.
Cons: The kitchen designer we worked with over two separate in-store appointments -- let's call him Joe -- didn't even call us to let us know how long it would take for the installer to set up the appointment. Joe didn't call or email us after the measurements were done. No plans, nothing. Joe never bothered to follow up with us about the project. In short, he did not care at all that we wanted to drop $10-15K on this. In fact, we never heard back from him. Is this how you do business?
Licensed contractor:
There are no negatives. Our contractor is responsive, calls regularly, and gives us a very clear timeline of when stages will happen. The contract is clear. He sent his cabinet installer the day after, and she has worked with us before on a kitchen. The next day, the 3D plan was done and emailed to us. We have a start date.
People who want your business don't f*** around.
We will be getting much better-quality cabinets and work this way.