Whether you want to simply upgrade your home or resell it in the future, a kitchen renovation is incredibly valuable. You may be asking yourself, is a kitchen contractor necessary for the job? Hiring a contractor that specializes in kitchen remodeling and renos can be extremely beneficial for homeowners. Continue reading this blog to learn more about the perks of working with a kitchen renovation contractor and how their skills can help to completely transform your space.

General Contractor vs. Kitchen Renovation Contractors

Some homeowners may choose to hire a general contractor versus a kitchen renovation contractor for their project. There are major differences between the two, but they must both be licensed to work on your home. Confirm this information with your contractor ahead of time and before they begin any work on your home. 

A general contractor offers all related services to home improvement from floor installation to installing trim. This means they may have general knowledge of kitchen renovations but they are not experts in terms of staying up to date with the latest designs, innovative kitchen installation techniques or understanding what type of kitchen brings in the most value and would be the most functional for your home. 


A kitchen renovation contractor specializes only in kitchen renovations. They can assist you with brainstorming a number of ideas for your kitchen before they begin building it.

Kitchen contractors understand the nuances of installing a new kitchen and how every element brings in value. They will collaborate with you on design options and layout ideas to ensure it suits your home, creating your dream kitchen.

Kitchen Designers vs. Kitchen Renovation Contractors

Is there a difference between a kitchen designer and a kitchen renovation contractor? Let’s find out. 

Kitchen designers are responsible for everything related to the kitchen’s design while a kitchen renovation contractor focuses on all aspects of the kitchen renovation, including design and installation.

A kitchen designer’s duties include creating a new kitchen layout, and choosing the essentials for your kitchen like the countertops, cabinets and appliances. They may design a great kitchen, but it may not always be feasible when it comes to the production and installation.

Kitchen renovation contractors take care of everything as mentioned above and they know how to create designs that are feasible to not only install but to manufacture.

These aspects are often overlooked by designers and that’s why hiring a kitchen renovation company like Moose Kitchen and Bath is more worth it, taking care of every step of the kitchen renovation.

Kitchen Designers vs. Kitchen Renovation Contractors

Many retail home improvement stores will give you the option of working with one of their designers for a minimal fee. The designer can help to create the concept for new kitchen cabinets, but they typically do not offer on-site initial walk-throughs. Without seeing your current kitchen, they may not be able to provide the best kitchen designs for you and you may need to take on some tasks of the renovation. Working with a kitchen retailer means you will also be limited to sourcing out material finishes and creating a style that they are familiar with. 

Alternatively, working with a professional kitchen contractor is typically a better option if you want to have limitless ideas and options for your new kitchen.  They can provide their expertise on what they believe is best for your new kitchen after conducting a site walk-through. It’s generally best to work with specialized contractors who can offer a wide range of services from start to finish, without you having to worry about any obstacles or undertaking any DIY aspects for your kitchen renovation.

What’s the difference between a custom kitchen and stock kitchen? Find out here!

Professional Expertise and Efficiency

Hiring a professional for your kitchen reno has many benefits. A kitchen contractor will ensure that your new kitchen is built with high-quality materials and is completely functional for you and your family. Based on their experience, they can provide the right suggestions for your new space.

A kitchen renovation contractor will also ensure that common mistakes are not made and that the project is completed on time. And once the renovation is complete, your contractor can also provide you with their best tips for maintenance and how to ensure your space still remains beautiful for a long time.

Condo Kitchen Renovation

Credentials and Licensing

When you hire a kitchen contractor for the job, it’s important to verify that they are fully licensed and insured. Take down their license number and certificate of insurance. This is an easy way to check that their license is in good standing.

You can also call their insurance company to verify that their coverage is current and up to date. When you are thorough and complete these kinds of checks, it will help you select the ideal contractor for your kitchen renovation project.

Checking References and Past Projects

Reviewing the kitchen designers’ and contractors’ previous work with kitchen renovations is a key step in this process. When you take a look at their past projects, you will get a better sense of the different styles they can build, their attention to detail, and whether the final results meet your expectations.

Don’t forget to read the testimonials and reviews posted on the contractor’s website. This is the best way to gain real insight into the company and the type of work they do. Previous clients will post their honest reviews and share their experience working with a contractor so it’s a great way to choose the right contractor for your project.

Comprehensive Service Range

Luxury Kitchen Renovations Toronto

Kitchen renovation contractors manage the entire remodeling process from the initial design consultation to construction and delivery.

They will help you create a kitchen layout that will enhance your flow, design contemporary kitchen concepts, assist with material selection, handle permitting and compliance, oversee project management, ensure quality control and more.

Discover custom kitchen solutions with Moose Kitchen and Bath

Cost and Budgeting Considerations

Break down all the costs involved in your kitchen renovation. The next step is to put a budget in place. There are many aspects to consider during your renovation like the size of your kitchen, where it’s located and how much work you would like done. 

Manage your kitchen renovation budget by following these tips: 

  • Stick to a budget – it’s important to set a budget that works for you and includes all the features you want in a brand-new kitchen. And don’t forget to look up the average cost of a kitchen reno in your area. 
  • Understand the costs involved – note down all of the costs included in a kitchen renovation. This will include the cost of new windows, fixtures, cabinetry, appliances, labour, and more. 
  • Set aside additional funds – an extra 20 percent of your budget should be allocated to any unexpected surprises during your kitchen renovation. 
  • Make a priority list – this will include everything that’s most important to you and must be included in your new kitchen like new appliances, new cabinetry or other fixtures.

Risk Management and Safety

You want to work with a team that makes safety a priority during your kitchen renovation. The right kitchen cabinet contractors will make sure that the space is safe for everyone – this includes individuals working on the home and the homeowner.

No matter what you plan to change in your kitchen, it’s crucial that you have a team of professionals to help you mitigate any risks during the renovation and ensure that the site is safe.

Timeline and Project Management

You might be wondering, how long does it take a contractor to remodel a kitchen? At Moose Kitchen and Bath,  the average kitchen renovation project can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks to complete. This is all dependent on the scope of work involved, how detailed the kitchen design is and more.

The good news is that when you hire a kitchen renovation contractor, this is their only focus so they have the understanding of logistics and timelines from spec kitchens to custom kitchens.Compared to general contractors who work in different fields of home improvement, they may have the general knowledge of how long a kitchen remodel should take, but may not understand the nuances involved for every type of kitchen design.

Post-Renovation Support

Custom Kitchen Installation Company

Hiring a kitchen renovation contractor comes with many benefits including the additional support you receive once the renovation is done. Kitchen contractors in Toronto will ensure that every kitchen renovation comes with a warranty in case homeowners experience any issues with their newly renovated space.

Whether you encounter problems with electricity, plumbing, or cabinet and countertop installation, your designated contractor will be ready to fix the issue at hand.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Your kitchen is an excellent place to incorporate environmentally friendly features. Working with a kitchen contractor can provide you with the best sustainable solutions for your newly renovated kitchen. 

Here are some key tips to creating a more sustainable kitchen for your home:

  • Source specific materials – a wide variety of options are available like recycled appliances, eco-friendly faucets and sinks as well as sustainable materials for your countertops and cabinets. 
  • Install water-saving fixtures – when you choose more eco-friendly faucets for your home, you can significantly reduce the water consumption in your home. 
  • Switch to LED lights – LED light bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting options available and there are various colours to choose from. 
  • Choose energy-saving windows – these types of windows will help to reduce the amount of heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home.

Navigating Legalities and Permits

You have to obtain specific permits if you are planning to renovate your kitchen. Many things will require a permit during your kitchen renovation — building an entrance, building a new wall, and removing windows are just a few examples of that.

A licensed kitchen contractor can help you to obtain the right permits for your specific project. And if you live in a condo or a building, there are local building codes to follow during a renovation. Your contractor will ensure that everyone adheres to the local building codes and any legal compliance.

Customization and Personalization

Working with a qualified kitchen renovation contractor gives you the ability to customize your new kitchen however you like. A general contractor, however, may be limited in their knowledge about renovating specific parts of the home like the kitchen. When you work with a kitchen contractor, you can tailor your new space according to your personal taste and style – creating a custom kitchen.

During the initial design phase, they will come up with ways to add a personal flare to your kitchen. This may include the types of fixtures you choose, the style of cabinets, lighting options and even the colours used in the space.

Get the best tips design a functional custom kitchen

Impact on Property Value

basement kitchen renovation

A newly renovated kitchen is a huge selling feature for those looking to buy a home. Many homebuyers will have a preference towards homes with upgraded kitchens. This is why it’s important to prioritize your kitchen reno if you want to sell your home in the near future.

When you hire a licensed kitchen contractor, they will ensure that your newly renovated kitchen enhances the overall functionality of your home. Because you are working with an industry-specific contractor, you can trust that they are specialized in their field – meaning they know how to build, how to design, what brings the most value in a kitchen and more.

Final Thoughts on Hiring a Kitchen Renovation Contractor

Renovating your kitchen is a huge investment towards your home. It’s important to work with the right team to ensure your dream kitchen comes to life. With a professional kitchen renovation contractor, you can customize your kitchen according to your preferences and reap the benefits from their years of expertise. 

Discover the benefits of working with Moose Kitchen and Bath, the best kitchen contractors in Toronto. We specialize in completing high-quality kitchen renos for you and your family.

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