How to Find a Good Contractor By Bill Eller At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

There are 5 steps you must take to find a good contractor.If you follows these steps you will certainly succeed in finding the good contractor.

Step 1: Brainstorm your remodeling project. Choose a time when you can talk to your spouse with no interruptions and decide exactly what and when you want your project to be. You need to be in total agreement before the home remodeling project is started. If not there could a great amount of family grief when the project is undertaken.

Step 2: Generate plans for your project. In this section you will pick sizes, styles, colors, etc. so you know exactly what to have the contractors bid on for your price. you need to have a starting time and finishing time for the project. A good set of plans will enable all of the contractors to bid on exactly the same items and this will make it much easier for you to compare bids.

Step 3:Build a list of potential contractors for your project. Check with supply houses, neighbors,and Better Business Bureau to see who has done projects similar to yours. Also the yellow pages and newspapers are a good source to generate your list. Drive around the area and check construction signs to see if they are similar projects. You need to find at least 10 contractors to interview for your project. Make sure the contractors have insurance and bonding. Make sure that they have the proper licensing to do your project.

Step 4: Invite these selected contractors to submit a bid on exactly the materials and work to be done. Ask them for references to see how there work ethics are. Check these references out. Ask if they would rehire the contractor in the future. They must provide permits and be responsible for cleanup during the duration of the project.

Step 5: Compare and select the best bid for you - not necessarily the cheapest ( you get what you pay for!). Sign a contract with this contractor that shows exactly what the contractor is to do and what quality of materials he is to use. Note: human nature says that you will probably change your mind about something during the construction phase and you will want to make a change or there may be an availability problem that could cause a long delay for the completion of the project. Make sure that provisions are included in the contract for changes. Also, always keep the communication lines open with the contractor at all times.

Do not hire a contractor if one of the following applies:

a. He only accepts cash

b. He tries to pressure you immediately for an acceptance

c. He just happens to have materials from the last job

d. He offers you a "promotional deal" for less money, or

e. He does not have a physical address

If any of these apply, he is probably a drifter passing through and you wont see a completed project.

When you have accomplished these 5 steps you will have much greater success in find a good contractor.

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