A full kitchen remodel means gutting the space down to studs or subfloor and rebuilding it: new layout or reconfigured layout, cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, and often plumbing and electrical moved to match a new design. It's a different job than a cosmetic refresh (new paint, hardware, maybe a backsplash). If a contractor is moving a sink, relocating an island, or knocking out a wall, you're in full-remodel territory, and that changes who you should hire, what permits are needed, and how long you'll be without a working kitchen.
We track 11 full kitchen remodeling businesses serving New London. Before hiring one, ask to see photos of completed projects similar in scope to yours, get a written scope of work (not just a price), and confirm who pulls permits and who's licensed for the electrical and plumbing portions. Timeline estimates matter too: a full gut remodel typically runs six to twelve weeks once demo starts, and a contractor who can't give you a rough schedule is a red flag.
Our scoring looks at licensing status, how consistently a company communicates and shows up on schedule, the range of past project photos and detail available, and patterns in customer feedback over time, not just a single star rating. See how all 11 stack up in our ranked guide to New London kitchen remodelers, and read our methodology for how we weigh each factor.