Your contractor should present you with a final invoice for the work, including:

• Their company name, business address and license number.
• A comprehensive list of all work performed and materials used.
• The total cost of your kitchen and bath work, including an itemized amount charged for labor.

Request a walk-through with your kitchen and bath company representative when the work is completed and before you make your final payment. Bring the invoice and verify that all work was performed and meets your expectations.

Along with your final invoice, your kitchen and bath contractor should also give you a written document explaining all guarantees and warrantees offered by their company and the manufacturers of the products they've installed. Not every contractor offers warrantees on their work or on the materials they use, but the ones that do should be able to give you written proof, including:

• The contractor's business name, address and state license number.
• A detailed explanation of the warranty coverage, what it covers and any exclusions to the coverage.
• Your responsibility in regards to redeeming your warranty, including if you have to pay for labor, materials or pay a prorated amount.
• Any terms and limitations to the warranties.
• If the warranties are transferrable to the new owner if you sell your home and details of any steps you have to take in order to transfer the guarantees.

Local kitchen and bathroom contractors in the larger cities of Menlo Park, Daly City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Redwood City, San Bruno or the smaller cities of Moss Beach, Woodside, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Loma Mar, Montara, Pescadero, Portola Valley Sharp Park and beyond provide the following popular kitchen and bath remodeling services.

Kitchen Designs
Usually drawn by a professional kitchen designer, kitchen designs are the one of the first steps in a remodel or renovation. Kitchen designs can be illustrated with simple line drawings, blueprints, technical drawings, samples of flooring and cabinet choices, photographs of appliances and fixtures and paint selection samples.

Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen remodeling services in San Mateo County can range from simple kitchen makeovers and redecorating to major renovations and expansions. Kitchen remodeling contractors provide a full range of services, including cabinet refacing, new flooring and cabinets, new fixtures, and even major remodeling projects like moving walls and adding windows.

Kitchen Makeovers
Less invasive and time-consuming than remodeling or expansion, kitchen and bathroom makeovers change the look of your home without as much mess or expense. Kitchen makeover styles include: contemporary, country, old world, traditional and rustic. Bathroom makeover styles include contemporary, old world, traditional and spa atmosphere.

Bathroom Remodeling
New bathroom designs, bathroom makeovers and redecorating, bath expansions, and adding new flooring, vanities and fixtures, are all considered bathroom remodeling in San Mateo County. Remodels can change the appearance and style of your bathroom and can impact the value of your home.

Kitchen Expansion
Kitchen remodels that include expanding the size of the room are known as kitchen expansions. Kitchens can be expanded by removing or moving walls, expanding the kitchen into an adjacent room, building an addition to an existing kitchen and removing ceiling-hung cabinets and counter tops that cut off the kitchen from the rest of the house.

Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
Kitchen and bathroom renovations change the appearance of existing rooms, making them more beautiful and functional. Renovations include physical updates, such as more workspace and extended counter tops, and changes to style and decorations, including new appliances and updated flooring and wall coverings.

Bathroom and Kitchen Additions
Simple remodeling often only addresses the existing space. Kitchen and bathroom additions expand the existing space by building on to the home.

Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinet Installation
New bathroom and kitchen cabinets can change the look and functionality of the entire room. Cabinets come in RTA (ready to assemble), semi-custom, and custom or built-to-order. Prices vary greatly depending on materials used and the quality of the cabinets. While they can be the largest single expense in a remodel, quality cabinets often are worth the investment.

Bathroom & Kitchen Flooring Installation
Flooring choices for kitchens and bathrooms include wood, laminate, vinyl, tile, natural stone, bamboo, cork and linoleum. Ask good kitchen and bath contractors in San Mateo County for a complete list of the flooring choices and installation methods they offer.

San Mateo County Bathroom Designs
The first step in most bathroom remodels is a redesign of the space. This may include moving or removing walls, adding on to the existing room or reconfiguring the existing space to make it more usable. Bathroom designs can be drawn by professional draftspeople or may be offered by bathroom contractors.

Top 10 Kitchen and Bathroom Brand Requests

1. Kohler
2. Kraftmaid cabinets
3. Merillat cabinets
4. Aristokraft cabinets
5. Amerock hardware
6. Franke sinks
7. Corian countertops
8. Pegasus Vanities
9. Amtico flooring
10. Wilson Art counter tops

The following terms and descriptions will help you understand common kitchen and bath remodeling projects and allow you to better communicate with your K & B contractor.

backsplash
A backsplash is the exposed are between upper cabinets and the countertops. This area is usually painted, tiled or covered by an extended piece of countertop. Decorative backsplash options are available.

Also known as: sink backsplash

bathroom and kitchen additions
Kitchen and bathroom additions expand existing space by adding on square footage to the home. This type of remodel is more invasive and may take longer than a typical remodel, but it allows homeowners to make drastic changes to their space. Bathroom additions may include adding a new bathroom to the home where there wasn't one before.

Also known as: adding on, master bathroom addition, new kitchen addition, new bathroom addition, add a second bathroom

bathroom and kitchen flooring
Flooring for kitchens and bathrooms include tile, natural stone, wood, laminate, vinyl, bamboo, cork and linoleum. Kitchen and bath contractors offer different flooring choices and installation methods to match customers requirements.

Also known as: new flooring, bath flooring, kitchen flooring, kitchen and bath flooring installation

bathroom designs
Most bathroom remodels include a redesign of the space. This may include moving or removing walls, adding on or reconfiguring existing space. Bathroom designs can make rooms larger, or appear larger, and can drastically change the appearance and functionality of a room. Bathroom design styles may include contemporary, old world, traditional and spa.

Also known as: bath redesigns, bath designs, bathroom redesigns, bathroom trends, custom bathroom designs

bathroom remodeling
Types of bathroom remodeling include new bathroom designs, bathroom makeovers, bath redecorating and bathroom expansions. Remodels can change the appearance and style of a bathroom and increase home values.

Also known as: bathroom remodels, bath remodel, bathroom makeover, bathroom redecorating, bathroom decorating ideas, renovation bathroom, redo bathroom, bathroom restoration

bathtub refinishing
The act of repairing and resealing an old bathtub is called bath tub refinishing. This allows a homeowner to keep their original bathtub but improves the appearance of the fixture. Bathtub refinishing includes changing the color of a bathtub, removing surface damage like chips and cracks, removing deep-set stains, reglazing and tile replacement and repair. Refinished bathtubs can be easier to clean and look like new.

Also known as: bath tub refinishing, porcelain refinishing, fiberglass bath tub refinishing, acrylic bathtub refinishing services

cabinet refacing
Refacing cabinets is the process of putting new facades on existing cabinets or repainting and refinishing existing cabinet fronts. Cabinet refacing is less costly than installing new cabinets and can have the same visual results.

Also known as: cabinet repainting, cabinet refinishing, reface cabinets

countertops
Countertops for the bathroom and kitchen come in a variety of styles and materials. Popular countertop materials include granite counters, engineered stone (like Cambria Quartz, Silestone, Zodiaq and Viatera), concrete, stainless steel, wood countertops (also known as butcher block counters), solid surface (such as Swanstone, Avonite and Corian), ceramic tile, marble, soapstone

Also known as: counter tops, counters, kitchen counter tops, kitchen counters, bathroom countertops, bathroom counters

island
A free-standing combination of cabinets and a countertop. Islands are most commonly used in the kitchen and provide extra work space. Some islands are permanently affixed to the floor; others are built on wheels or casters and are movable.

Also known as: kitchen island, movable island, free-standing island

kitchen and bathroom cabinets
New bathroom and kitchen cabinetry changes the look and functionality of a room. Cabinets come in RTA (ready to assemble), semi-custom, and custom. Cabinet prices vary depending on materials and quality.

Also known as: kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinetry, bath cabinets, bathroom cabinetry, custom bathroom cabinets, custom kitchen cabinets, cabinet installation

kitchen and bathroom renovations
Renovations change the appearance of existing rooms, making them more appealing and functional. Room renovations include room layout changes, such as adding workspace and extending counter tops, and changes to style and decor, including new appliances and updated flooring and paint.

Also known as: kitchen renovating, bathroom renovating, kitchen renovation, bath renovation

kitchen designs
Kitchen designs are the one of the first steps in a remodel or renovation and are usually drawn by a professional kitchen designer in Sonoma County. Kitchen designs can be illustrated with simple line drawings, or may be more in depth and include blueprints, technical drawings, samples of product and material choices, paint samples and appliance and fixture choices.

Also known as: kitchen redesigns, kitchen remodeling, kitchen remodel, kitchen makeover, kitchen decorating, kitchen redecorating

kitchen expansion
Kitchens can be expanded by removing or moving walls, spreading out the kitchen into an adjoining room, and building a home addition onto an existing kitchen.

Also known as: adding-on, kitchen additions

kitchen makeovers
Kitchen and bathroom makeovers are less invasive than remodeling and expansions, and they change the look of a home without as much mess or expense. Popular kitchen makeover styles include: traditional, contemporary, country, rustic and old world.

Also known as: kitchen redesigning, kitchen decorating, kitchen redecorating, kitchen designs

kitchen remodeling
Kitchen remodeling encompasses simple kitchen makeovers and redecorating to major renovations and kitchen expansions. Kitchen contractors provide a full range of remodeling services, including installation of new flooring and cabinets, major remodeling projects like moving walls and adding windows and upgrades to kitchen fixtures and appliances.

Also known as: kitchen remodeling, kitchen remodels, redo kitchen, remodel kitchen, renovate kitchen, kitchen renovations

replacement kitchen
A new kitchen or kitchen remodel that is installed exactly as the old kitchen appeared. In a replacement kitchen, the cabinets, appliances and fixtures are located in the same places as the previous products.

Also known as: kitchen replacement, new kitchen installation

vanities
A bathroom vanity is the fixture that includes the bathroom sink and the storage furniture or cabinet around the sink.

Also known as: bathroom vanity, bathroom vanities, bath vanities, vanity cabinets, lighted vanities, custom vanities, wall-mounted vanity, standing vanity, stand-alone vanity, sink vanity, double vanity, sink cabinets, vanity cabinets, bathroom vanity sinks

work triangle
The optimal kitchen set-up is often known as the kitchen work triangle. In order to make a kitchen space more functional, the refrigerator, main sink and cooking area should form a triangle when the points are connected.

Also known as: kitchen triangle, kitchen work triangle

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified kitchen and bath contractor?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a kitchen and bathroom remodeling company with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country's most in-depth rating process. Only bath and kitchen contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can't pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you'll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified company.

Q: Can I remodel my Alameda kitchen and bathroom myself?
A: Depending on your ability and contracting knowledge, you may be able to take on some of the work yourself. However, like with most major home improvement and construction projects, kitchen and bathroom contracting is usually best left to the professionals.

If you're looking to cut costs, there may be some aspects of the job you can do, such as tearing out the old cabinets and flooring. Your contractor may also allow you to handle the trash removal, some preparation work or certain aspects of the job, like painting or wallpapering. Talk with your contractor about how you can help with the process without getting in the way or causing more damage.

Q: What most determines the cost of my new kitchen and bathroom?
A: The size of your kitchen, the materials you choose and the complexity of the job are three factors that will greatly influence the cost of your job.
Cabinets often account for up to half of the total cost of a new kitchen and bathroom, and are usually the largest single expense in a remodel or upgrade. Cabinets come in a range of prices that reflect their quality, craftsmanship and material. Keep in mind, if you try to save money by buying cheaper materials, you may end up having to replace surfaces years sooner than if you had purchased custom, high-quality products that fit your space and are made with quality materials.

Labor and design costs also are a costly part of any kitchen and bath upgrades. But skilled and experienced tradespeople can often offer you a better value than cheaper contractors. When you're considering the contractors to hire for your project, make sure you're getting the most for your money in terms of labor and products.

Q: My kitchen and bathroom really need to be updated, but I don't have a large budget. What should I do?
A: As with any major purchase, only spend what you can afford. You'll want to draw up a budget before making any commitments with local contractors to see what you can realistically expect. It may be best to wait for your remodel until you can pay for it upfront. Some contractors will work out payment plans with you, and you may look into taking out a home equity loan or hiring a contractor who offer financing and loan options. You may also be able to hire a contractor who can complete the work in phases, so you can break the job into smaller, more affordable jobs.

Q: How do I choose my cabinets, countertops and appliances?
A: Some kitchen and bath companies have designers on-staff, and most contractors will assist you in selecting the products that best fit your home. The contractor you hire may also have relationships with local showrooms or designers. While your budget will dictate the quality and materials you ultimately choose, it's important to consider the ways you'll use your space to ensure you're getting appliances, cabinets and countertops that look great and are the most functional for you.

Q: How long will my bathroom and kitchen renovations take?
A: Projects may last a few days to several months. The size of your space and the complexity of the remodel will dictate how long the work takes. Your selection of products and materials may also impact the length of time. For example, custom cabinets will take longer to build and install than will prefabricated cabinets. Your contractor should be able to give you an estimated start and end date, and provide you with the estimated completion time for major milestones along the way.

Q: What can I expect during the kitchen and bathroom remodeling process?
A: Every k & b contractorworks differently, but the process for most bathroom and kitchen renovations is similar. First, the contractor will tear out any non-necessary cabinets, flooring, surfaces and walls. New electrical and plumbing work is installed, and then walls are repaired or built. Contractors will usually install the cabinets next, before adding countertops and final plumbing fixtures. Flooring, appliances and finish work are usually the last items in a renovation.

Ask your contractor for a specific timeline of the process, and talk with them about other items you'll need to know while the work is in progress. For instance, if you will be living in the home during the remodel, discuss options for installing a temporary kitchen and the dust control measures you can expect.

Q: Will I have to move out of my home during the construction?
A: This depends on the size and scope of your project, your comfort and the preferences of your contractor. If you require a major bathroom and kitchen remodel, it may be easiest for you and your family to relocate during some or all of the construction. This is especially true if you have only one bathroom or if the plumbing needs to be turned off for long periods of time. Some contractors can set up a temporary kitchen area or will guarantee they can provide you with running water at the end of each day. Talk with your contractor about your specific needs and their recommendations.

Q: Will a kitchen remodel increase my home's value?
A: Yes. The national average return on a remodeled kitchen is between 80 and 135 percent. That means that most consumers who install a new kitchen increase the value of their home and get back most, if not all, of the money they put into the project.

Q: Will a bathroom renovation increase my home's value?
A: Yes. Just like with kitchen renovations, bathroom remodeling projects can see a 90 to 130 percent return. These increases in home value may depend on the location of your home, so talk to your contractor and a real estate expert for specific return on investment information regarding your home.