Before you sign a kitchen remodel contract in Florida, these are the questions to ask, the documents to review, and the decisions to lock in. Missing any of them creates expensive problems mid-project.
You've gotten your bids. You have a contractor you're leaning toward. You're ready to sign.
Before you do — go through this checklist. These are the questions and confirmations that prevent the mid-project surprises that derail kitchen remodels in Florida.
Contractor Verification
- [ ] License verified at myfloridalicense.com — active, correct type
- [ ] General liability insurance certificate received and verified (call the insurer)
- [ ] Workers' comp certificate received and verified
- [ ] At least 2 references contacted and asked: timeline, communication, how problems were handled, would they hire again
Contract Review
- [ ] Complete scope of work in writing — every item, every finish
- [ ] Cabinet brand, line, and door style specified
- [ ] Countertop material, thickness, edge profile, and fabricator specified
- [ ] Appliance model numbers or allowance amounts specified
- [ ] Tile: pattern, size, grout color specified or allowance defined
- [ ] Fixtures: faucet brand and model or allowance
- [ ] Payment schedule tied to milestones (not calendar dates)
- [ ] Change order process defined — all changes in writing, signed
- [ ] Who pulls permits (should be the contractor)
- [ ] Timeline: start date and substantial completion date
- [ ] Warranty terms: labor and materials separately
Before Demo Starts
- [ ] Permits applied for (not just "will be applied for")
- [ ] Cabinet delivery date confirmed — cabinets drive the schedule
- [ ] Appliances ordered if custom or long lead time
- [ ] Countertop template scheduled (happens after cabinets are installed)
- [ ] Flooring ordered and confirmed in stock
Layout Decisions Locked In
- [ ] Island size and position finalized
- [ ] Sink location finalized (moving it is expensive)
- [ ] Range/cooktop location finalized
- [ ] Refrigerator space measured against actual refrigerator
- [ ] Electrical outlet locations approved
- [ ] Range hood type and venting path confirmed
Florida-Specific Items
- [ ] GFCI outlets in all required locations (countertop within 6 feet of sink)
- [ ] Range hood venting: exterior vent path confirmed
- [ ] If moving sink: plumbing permit confirmed
- [ ] If adding circuits: electrical permit confirmed
- [ ] If removing walls: structural review confirmed
The Questions to Ask Before Signing
"Who is the person on my project every day — you or a foreman?"
"What is your process when something doesn't go as planned?"
"What is the biggest risk on my specific project and how will you handle it?"
"How many other projects will you be running simultaneously?"
The Bottom Line
A kitchen remodel in Florida is a 6-10 week disruption to your daily life and a $25,000-$80,000+ investment. This checklist takes 30-60 minutes to work through before you sign. That time is the cheapest thing in the project.
Questions about your specific situation? We're licensed Florida contractors — not a call center. Book a free 15-minute call and get a straight answer.
Questions About Your Situation?
We're licensed Florida contractors — not a call center.
Book a free 15-minute call and get a straight answer about your specific situation.