I want to remodel kitchen & bathroom. Is it true contractor can take 1 to 2 months to complete the project?

Question

I heard it would take 2 months for the remodel to complete, which means 2 months of mortgage going to waste. Are there any contractors who can finish the project faster? Do they charge more?
Thanks.

Answer 1

In my experience, and I've remodeled my own homes for 30 years now, there are contractors and then there are CONTRATORS. My advice to you is to while getting several difference quotes for the work you want done, discuss your time concerns with each bidder and after making note of what time frame each quoted, check them out with their own previous clients. If the contractor you're talking to doesn't have anything to hide, he won't mind you asking for a list of his most recent "satisfied" customers. Also, when the work is quoted and you decide on which contractor you want to hire, have him put his projected finish date in the contract/quote that you are both working from. That way, both of you are working from the same page from the very beginning.

Answer 2

It really depends on the extent of the remodeling. If you are talking about completely gutting a kitchen and bathroom, rearranging where sinks, tubs, etc. go, changing lighting, adding outlets, it will take longer.
Another thing to consider is how many workers the contractor will have on the job, and the schedule of the subcontractors like plumber or electrician.
If you have a good contractor and subcontractors, a good plan for the work, and all the materials on site, a kitchen can be completely gutted and redone in a week.
For a kitchen and bath, you are probably looking at a month, even with good people doing the work. Problems arise and cause delays during remodeling. It's unavoidable.

Answer 3

I have been a general contractor holding an unlimited building license for 20 years along with general liability,workmens compensation insurance and a commercial auto policy. Let's set some things straight. A license doesn't guarantee honesty, experience or good business practices. Yes you can sue an unlicensed contractor. Some states have a maximum amount an unlicensed contractor can bid ,pull permits and perform work. My advice is to use referrals , ask neighbors coworkers for who does there work. Are they profesional, timely and do what they say they will. Most importly ask for their general liability proof of insurance or ask to have your project address listed on insurance form during the length of your project. Do not issue more then a 10 or 15% deposit. If your area requires a permit make sure one has been pulled and all necessary inspections by your localty are completed. To sum it up

Answer 4

I agree with what Casey said ,but also remember the cheapest is not always the best to go with , cheaper means less quality in workmanship find someone who has been around for a while ,and will let you speak with previous clients, if a guy says he has been around for twenty five years ,and he looks 30 leave him alone, find an "old school" contractor they will most likely give a better quality of craftsmanship to the project versus someone who can just throw it together fast enough to get paid, and leave. find one who will offer or back up their work so if something is not right they will come back to make it right ..AS FAR as two months it would be hard to tell until the old is tore out could have delays such as rotted studs in the walls weak flooring under the tubs,cabinets etc, but it is not two months of mortgage gone to waste , it is securing your investment either way there is always work and maintenance on a house and the longer it is put off the more it will cost..

Answer 5

That really depends on what you actually want done in terms of 'remodel.' If you want the kitchen and bathroom to be completely stripped and start from scratch, it could take a long time. But like I said, it just depends on what you want to be done.

I suggest that you think about the changes that you want. Have a clear idea in mind, then call up local contractors. It doesn't hurt to ask, but it does upset them if you change your mind in the middle of the project.

Answer 6

first of all you usually get what you pay for. when you start getting into total remodels and your dealing with different contractors and suppliers your also dealing with alota schedules, things don't get ordered right people get sick , weather delays, Ive seen just where a customer changes there mind in tile or paint color and it thrown the whole schedule off by a week or more, So if you planning a kitchen and or bathroom remodel my advise is to add a month to the time line your given by whatever contractor you chose. believe me I,ve been in the industry for many years.

Answer 7

I guess it depends on the contractor, you have to rely on him by asking references. My friend remodeled a complete 3 floors-house and it took 6 months, the work was huge.
http://decoration.com/p/decorating-tips/find-a-general-contractor/

Answer 8

Caseys answer is pretty much on the money, but alone with the completion date inform the contractor that you are adding a penalty clause for non completion to the schedule, and make him sign it. That penalty clause can amount to any dollar amount you choose. One hundred dollars per day over the agreed upon completion date is not unheard of.

Answer 9

You might want to check out this site for information on getting a contractor for your project

Answer 10

YES!I personally am working on a interior paint job that has run me 5 weeks , 2 more to go. the home owner remodeled the entire home . completely,from 17,000$ kitchen cab to a17$ door knob . if you want to invest into a few mnths of inconvin. for a life that holds your imagination to comfort called home