How to Choose a Cabinet Refinishing / Painting (Kitchen + Vanity) Pro in Raleigh, NC

Hiring the right contractor saves money, time, and rework. Use this checklist before signing.

Five questions to ask

1. Are you licensed and insured in NC? — Ask for license number and certificate of insurance.
2. How long have you been doing cabinet refinishing / painting (kitchen + vanity) specifically? — General contractors are not the same as specialists.
3. What warranty do you offer? — A real warranty in writing, not a verbal promise.
4. Can you show me recent local references? — Names + phone numbers in Raleigh, NC.
5. Will the quote be fixed-price or time-and-materials? — Fixed-price protects you from scope creep.

Red flags to walk away from

• No physical address or local phone number
• Pressure to sign immediately or pay full upfront
• Cash-only or no written contract
• No license number on the proposal
• Bid that's 30%+ below every other bid — they're cutting corners

What to verify before signing

• State contractor license is current (search the NC licensing board)
• Liability insurance covers at least $1M
• Workers' compensation if any crew is involved
• Recent reviews on Google with replies (a real business engages)