Ric’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom is a general contractor specializing in kitchen and bath remodeling projects. “You can buy cabinets anywhere, but you can’t buy great service everywhere. We can coordinate the whole job, from day one to completion,” says owner Richard Plummer. He also says the Castro Valley company’s showroom is different because it allows clients pick out everything from cabinets and appliances to paint colors and flooring choices.

Once a client chooses the basics, a complete 3-D design of the project is rendered on a computer. A few days later, the design ideas are reviewed and adjustments are made, says Ric. “We tell clients all about the materials and pros and cons of each decision. We also discuss budget considerations.”

While an average kitchen remodeling costs about $60,000, the range can vary depending upon cabinetry, floors, electrical, and plumbing. “Sometimes, clients are looking for a $5,000 job, and we can talk them through what that would buy, but most people are looking for a more substantial upgrade than that.”

Most of Ric’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom’s crewmembers have been with the company for 18 or more years. The staff is trained in worksite safety and security, and is covered by workers’ compensation and liability coverage. They work closely with high-quality suppliers of cabinet lines, faucets, countertops, and other related materials. Often, those suppliers run special pricing and can offer those savings to clients. “It builds trust and long-term relationships,” says Ric, “so we pass along incentives and other freebies when possible. And it doesn’t cost us anything if, in the end, we’re recommended for another job or future work. I don’t think that’s true for everybody.

“We’ve carved out a place in the industry based on a successful history with hundreds of clients,” he continues. “We tend to cover the upper end of quality for a reason: Our customers are satisfied with the end results. We would not install items in our customer’s home that we would not install in our own.”

It’s smart to educate yourself and use common sense when choosing a contractor. Homeowners who do their homework and understand the details of a remodeling project are generally happier with the outcome. “When clients come to our showroom, we make sure to educate them,” says Richard Plummer, owner of Ric’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom in Castro Valley. There are so many options and types of material to choose from, learning the pros and cons of each is important to making an informed decision. Different materials have varying warranties, maintenance methods and costs, and it pays to learn what to expect.

You can build a checklist from the following questions:

• What has the contractor worked on lately?
• What’s a practical budget for the quality of appliances and materials expected?
• What are the long-term maintenance costs and methods for the flooring you choose?
• Do you want to find the most eco-friendly products and materials?
• Will you need design services from a contractor?
• What are the sources and suppliers of the materials you’ll need?

Look for a contractor that’s willing to build a trusting relationship. In an industry known for ’major investment horror stories, says Ric, it pays to build a history with someone you can turn to for additional work or repairs when something fails. It’s a very competitive industry, and businesses that establish strong local ties are usually the ones that survive.

Q: How much will my job cost?

A: It depends on what materials you choose for flooring, counters, bathtubs, and appliances. Obviously, high-end appliances and cabinetry will add to the overall cost. We work with each client on an individual basis and put together the best design and package for what they can afford.

Q: How long will my job take?

A: Most kitchens take about three to four and a half weeks, and bathrooms run about three weeks. But it depends on the materials you select, as some take longer than others to receive and install. Especially if it’s custom or special order.

Q: Do you handle the permit process?

A: Yes, we request and obtain the proper permits for every job.

Q: What about security? Can I trust your employees in my home?

A: We use a regular crew that’s been with us for many years, so I’m very confident in my foremen and staff to maintain a safe and secure worksite when I can’t be there.

Q: Do you offer any guarantees for your work?

A: California law requires a one-year warranty on our craftsmanship, but we’ve been known to go beyond that. For example, I’ve had clients who call me two to three years later with a sink problem, and I’ll send our foreman right out to their house to fix it.

Q: Do you use subcontractors on your jobs?

A: Only electricians. The rest of the crew is comprised of regular staff, and the electrician we use only works for us and one other company.

Q: What’s your policy on clean up?

A: Clean up is my pet peeve. At the end of each workday, everything is swept up and all tools are packed in the truck, even if we’re coming back the next day. I don’t want to come home and step over anybody’s tools, and I don’t want my customers to do so, either. I’ve received many comments on how clean we keep our job sites. We use runners on floors and barricades for debris and dust.