Kitchen Remodel & Repair Contractor in Salem, Oregon

Kitchen remodels are one of the more expensive modifications to a home, and they last a long time. Frequency is entirely up to you; however, you should utilize materials, cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, and appliances that you will be happy with for at least 10 years.

There are a number of reasons people update or remodel their kitchens. Most of the time, it's because they were designed poorly and didn't work in the most convenient way. A modern kitchen with all of the updated appliances will save you a lot of time and increase the resale value of your home.

1. Hire a qualified contractor.
2. Think through and design your space.
3. Schedule the work when you can be gone or during the least busy time in your schedule. Meal prep, clean up, and eating out will all take longer than you are used to.

3Rs Construction Pro Tip #8: Ask your contractor to set up a time-lapse camera to watch your entire project take shape in front of your eyes!

1. Not planning ahead
2. Not planning around the "Work Triangle"
3. Hiring a handyman or unlicensed contractor.
4. Not asking for input or opinions on color combinations
5. Not adding enough light
6. Buying cheap cabinets
7. Buying budget countertops or flooring
8. Using tile with grout lines on countertops or floors

Yes, in almost every case, the kitchen is one of 4 primary factors considered in making the decision to buy.

There are a lot of great features available in cabinets today. Some of the most popular options are soft clothes drawers, hidden hinges, and fully extendable hardware on the drawers. The more real wood on the cabinets, the better. Many cabinets have wood faces, but the sides and backs are particle board. They are less expensive, but they do not hold up very well. Some people prefer the look of a painted cabinet. If that is your preference, be sure to get an acrylic or enamel paint that will wear and wash well.

Yes! Granite and other solid surface countertops are some of your best options because they can withstand heat and are hard to scratch or stain, making them ideal for meal prep and easy cleanup.

3Rs Construction Pro Tip #9: A common mistake in ordering solid surface countertops is purchasing from a discount or second-hand dealer. Low-quality stone is not sealed well, and besides being hard to clean, it also can crack easily. Be sure your contractor is using quality materials for your countertops.

Here are a few things you can do to be confident you hired a professional who can do and deliver the finished kitchen that you want.

1. Check with the CCB to confirm they are licensed and have insurance.
2. Check their Google reviews. It's impossible to please everyone, so don't expect a perfect five. In fact, if they have all five-star ratings, look deeper to see how that could even be possible.
3. Ask questions when you're meeting the contractor on site. You need to be very comfortable with whoever you hire since they're going to be in your home for an extended period of time. Do they seem competent? Will you feel safe with them in your house?
4. Ask for a written quote. You should not have to ask because it's required by law in Oregon. The contract should include a price, payment terms, scope of work, and a grouping of informational sheets required by the CCB to help you be an informed buyer.
5. Asking for references is a thing of the past. People are less willing to invite strangers to look through their houses. Google reviews are about as good of an option as you have to see what a contractor can do.
6. Look at their truck and the way they present themselves. A contractor who insists on keeping things clean and orderly is likely going to treat your home the same way.
7. Were they on time? If the estimator is not on time, you can expect the same with the project.

3Rs Construction Pro Tip #10: Once you have decided on a contractor, give them the benefit of the doubt. Trust your gut and keep the lines of communication open. That's the best way to get the best outcome for your project.

No. Buyer beware, there is no shortage of people who have worked in construction and believe they can do the job for you for less money. Here's a list of things you should consider before ever entertaining making that decision.

1. What happens if something goes wrong? - Since they are not licensed or bonded or insured, you are on the hook to pay for anything that is damaged or needs to be redone. There is no accountability.
2. What happens if someone gets hurt? - If the contractor or one of his friends working on the job gets hurt, you, as a homeowner, can and most likely will be responsible for their medical expenses. They will not have workman's compensation to help cover those costs.
3. If permits are required, they will not be able to pull them, which means when you go to sell the house, you will be forced to tear down the repairs to prove they were done correctly.
4. If they take the money and never show up, there is nothing you can do to hold them accountable.
5. Working as a contractor in the state of Oregon without a license, bond, or insurance is illegal. If the person you are hiring to work in your house is willing to break that law, what other corners will they cut that you might not know about?
6. Just because someone worked as an employee and knows a thing or two about construction does not mean they are anywhere near qualified to do the fine finish work and details required to build a beautiful and lasting kitchen.

If you are ready to get started, call 3Rs or your contractor of choice and set up a quote. All of us at 3Rs Construction and Remodeling wish you the best and hope you love your new kitchen!