Hiring a kitchen contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make during a renovation. The right contractor keeps your project on budget, on schedule, and built to last. The wrong one can cost you thousands in change orders, delays, and rework that should never have happened in the first place.
After completing hundreds of kitchen remodels across Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, Newnan, and greater Atlanta over more than two decades, our team at Turan Designs has seen what separates a professional kitchen contractor from one who causes problems. This guide walks you through every step of finding, vetting, and hiring the right contractor for your project.
What Does a Kitchen Contractor Actually Do?
A kitchen contractor manages your renovation from demolition through final inspection. Their responsibilities include coordinating subcontractors like electricians and plumbers, ordering materials, pulling permits, scheduling inspections, and ensuring every aspect of the build meets code and quality standards.
Some kitchen contractors only handle the construction side of a project. Others, known as design-build contractors, handle both the design and construction under one roof. This distinction matters because it affects your cost, your timeline, and how much coordination you have to manage yourself.
A dedicated kitchen design contractor combines creative vision with construction expertise, meaning fewer miscommunications between the designer's plans and the builder's execution.
Types of Kitchen Contractors
Understanding the different types of contractors available in the Atlanta market helps you choose the right fit for your project scope and budget.
General Contractors
General contractors handle a wide range of home improvement projects. They are not kitchen specialists, but many have experience with kitchen remodels. They typically work from plans provided by a separate designer or architect.
Best for: Homeowners who already have completed design plans and need someone to execute the build.
Typical cost structure: 15-25% markup on total project cost.
Kitchen-Specific Contractors
These contractors focus exclusively on kitchen and sometimes bathroom renovations. Their teams are trained specifically in cabinetry installation, countertop fitting, and kitchen-specific electrical and plumbing work.
Best for: Homeowners who want specialized knowledge but are working with a separate designer.
Design-Build Firms
Design-build firms like Turan Designs handle everything from the initial consultation through final installation. You work with one team from concept to completion. The designer and builder communicate directly because they are part of the same company.
Best for: Homeowners who want a single point of contact, streamlined communication, and accountability from one source. This model typically reduces total project cost by 10-15% compared to hiring a separate designer and contractor.
If you are still deciding whether you need a designer, a contractor, or both, our guide on kitchen designer vs kitchen contractor breaks down each option with cost comparisons and scenario recommendations.
8 Things to Look for in a Kitchen Contractor
1. Proper Licensing and Insurance
In Georgia, contractors working on projects over $2,500 must hold a valid license. Verify your contractor's license through the Georgia Secretary of State's office. At minimum, they should carry:
- General liability insurance ($1 million minimum)
- Workers' compensation insurance
- A valid Georgia contractor's license or residential contractor license
Ask for certificates of insurance and verify them directly with the insurance company. Do not accept expired or photocopied documents.
2. Kitchen-Specific Experience
A contractor who specializes in bathroom tile work or room additions is not automatically qualified to handle a complex kitchen remodel. Kitchens involve the highest concentration of mechanical systems in any room: electrical, plumbing, gas, ventilation, and lighting all converge in one space.
Ask how many kitchen remodels they complete per year. A contractor who does fewer than ten kitchen projects annually may lack the specialized experience you need.
3. A Portfolio of Completed Kitchen Projects
Request to see completed projects similar to yours in scope and style. Better yet, ask if you can visit a completed kitchen or a project currently under construction.
At Turan Designs, we maintain a portfolio of over 40 completed projects across kitchens, bathrooms, and specialty spaces. Seeing real work gives you a better sense of quality than any brochure.
4. Detailed Written Estimates
A professional kitchen contractor provides a line-item estimate that breaks down costs by category: demolition, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, electrical, plumbing, labor, permits, and design fees. If a contractor gives you a single lump-sum number without a breakdown, that is a warning sign.
Our kitchen remodel cost guide for Peachtree City provides detailed pricing benchmarks so you can evaluate whether an estimate is reasonable.
5. Clear Communication and Responsiveness
Pay attention to how a contractor communicates during the estimate phase. If they are slow to return calls, vague in their answers, or dismissive of your questions before they have your money, these patterns will only worsen once construction begins.
A reliable contractor:
- Returns calls and emails within 24 hours
- Provides clear, written answers to questions
- Explains the process and timeline without rushing you
- Is willing to discuss budget openly
6. Verified References and Reviews
Ask for at least three references from recent kitchen projects. When you call them, ask specific questions:
- Did the project finish on time?
- Did the final cost match the estimate?
- How did the contractor handle unexpected issues?
- Would you hire them again?
Online reviews on Google, Houzz, and the Better Business Bureau provide additional perspective. Look for patterns in reviews rather than focusing on a single positive or negative comment.
7. A Written Contract with Clear Terms
Never begin work without a detailed written contract. The contract should include:
- Complete scope of work with specifications
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Start date and estimated completion date
- Change order process and pricing
- Warranty terms
- Permit responsibilities
- Cleanup and disposal responsibilities
- Cancellation terms
A contractor who resists putting details in writing is a contractor you should not hire.
8. Permit Knowledge and Compliance
Kitchen remodels in Atlanta, Peachtree City, Tyrone, and Fayette County typically require permits for electrical work, plumbing modifications, structural changes, and gas line work. Your contractor should handle all permit applications and inspections as part of their scope.
In Fayette County, permit processing takes 2-4 weeks and costs $200-$800 depending on project scope. A contractor who suggests skipping permits is putting your investment at risk. Unpermitted work can create problems at resale and void your homeowner's insurance.
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid any kitchen contractor who:
- Demands large upfront payments. A standard payment schedule starts with 10-15% at contract signing, with progress payments tied to completed milestones. Any contractor asking for 50% or more upfront is a risk.
- Has no physical business address. A legitimate kitchen contractor has a showroom, office, or at least a verifiable business location. Our showroom at 125 Howell Road in Tyrone is open for visits by appointment.
- Pressures you to decide immediately. High-pressure sales tactics suggest the contractor is more focused on closing deals than on building quality relationships.
- Cannot provide proof of insurance. This is non-negotiable. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers' compensation, you may be liable.
- Offers a price significantly below other bids. If one estimate is 30% lower than three others, the contractor is either cutting corners on materials, underestimating the scope, or planning to make up the difference in change orders.
- Has no online presence or reviews. In 2026, a contractor without a website, Google Business Profile, or reviews on any platform should raise immediate concerns.
How to Compare Kitchen Contractor Bids
When you receive estimates from multiple contractors, compare them on equal terms:
| Factor | What to Compare |
|---|---|
| Scope of work | Are both bids covering the exact same work? |
| Material specifications | Are they specifying the same quality level of cabinets, countertops, and fixtures? |
| Timeline | How long will each contractor take? Faster is not always better. |
| Payment schedule | How are payments structured across the project? |
| Warranty | What is covered and for how long? |
| Permit handling | Is permit cost included or extra? |
| Design services | Is design included or do you need to hire separately? |
The lowest bid is rarely the best value. Focus on the contractor who provides the most detailed scope, the strongest references, and the clearest communication.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Bring this checklist to every contractor meeting:
- How many kitchen remodels do you complete per year?
- Can I see three recent kitchen projects similar to mine?
- Who will be my day-to-day contact during construction?
- Do you handle design in-house or should I hire a designer separately?
- How do you handle change orders and unexpected discoveries?
- What is your warranty on labor and materials?
- Will you pull all necessary permits?
- Can you provide a detailed, line-item estimate?
- What is your estimated timeline from start to completion?
- Do you have current liability insurance and workers' compensation?
The Design-Build Advantage for Kitchen Remodeling
Many homeowners in the Atlanta area are choosing design-build firms over the traditional approach of hiring a designer and contractor separately. Here is why:
Single point of accountability. When the designer and builder are on the same team, there is no finger-pointing when issues arise. One company is responsible for the entire outcome.
Cost efficiency. Eliminating the coordination layer between separate designer and contractor teams typically saves 10-15% on total project cost. There is no markup on markup.
Faster timelines. Design and pre-construction planning overlap rather than running sequentially. A design-build kitchen remodel often starts 2-4 weeks sooner than a traditional designer-then-contractor approach.
Better communication. The person who designed your kitchen is available to answer questions during construction. Design intent is never lost in translation.
At Turan Designs, our five-step process takes you from initial consultation through project completion with one team guiding every decision.
What a Kitchen Contractor Should Cost in Atlanta (2026)
Kitchen contractor fees in the Atlanta metro area vary based on project scope:
| Project Type | Typical Contractor Fee | Total Project Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor remodel (cosmetic refresh) | $3,000-$8,000 | $15,000-$35,000 |
| Mid-range remodel | $7,000-$18,000 | $35,000-$75,000 |
| Major renovation | $15,000-$40,000+ | $75,000-$150,000+ |
Contractor fees typically represent 15-25% of the total project cost. Design-build firms may quote a total project cost rather than separating the contractor fee, which often results in lower overall cost.
For detailed cost breakdowns specific to the Peachtree City and Fayette County area, see our 2026 kitchen remodel cost guide.
Local Kitchen Contractor Resources in Atlanta
When searching for a kitchen contractor in the Atlanta metro area, start with these resources:
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA): Certified professionals who have passed industry examinations. Turan Designs is a proud NKBA member.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check ratings and complaint history for any contractor you are considering.
- Houzz: Browse portfolios and read verified reviews from past clients.
- Georgia Licensing Board: Verify contractor licenses through the Secretary of State.
If you are in the Tyrone, Peachtree City, or Fayette County area, we invite you to visit our showroom and see our craftsmanship firsthand.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel?
Choosing the right kitchen contractor sets the foundation for a successful renovation. Whether you are planning a minor refresh or a complete kitchen transformation, the time you invest in selecting the right partner pays for itself many times over.
At Turan Designs, we have served Peachtree City and the greater Atlanta area for over 24 years. As a design-build firm, we handle your project from initial concept through final installation with one dedicated team.
Use our free renovation cost calculator to estimate your project, or contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Call us at (404) 394-2038 or visit our showroom at 125 Howell Road, Tyrone, GA 30290.