by Martin Ward Jr.

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: March 11, 2011

How do you find that perfect contractor for your home improvement project? The old fashion way, was to go to your phone book and look in the yellow pages under all the categories of: remodeling professionals, contractors, Home improvements and if your need was even more specific: plumbers and electricians.

Most people use the Internet to find what they are looking for these days, however, clicking on google and asking for "remodeling and home improvement social networks" will bring up nearly 200,000 results. That is not what you need.

You need someone that you can trust to come to your home and do the work that you require at a reasonable price. You want a contractor with a good reputation and one with many satisfied customers.

If a friend or relative can't recommend such a person to you, you may have to rely on your own ability to find this person. You may want to start by looking at registered contractors in your state. Most states have a place that contractors and sub-contractors must register to work in the state they practice business in.

Do your web search with your state and "registered contractors", if that does not find what you are looking for, add your city to it and try it again.

Now you will have a list of all the contractors in your area, it is time to narrow it down a bit, pick at lease three, preferably ones that you feel will fit your need accordingly to the project you have at hand. Call the contractors and ask questions about the project you have.

Also, you want a contractor that will give you free-estimates, this is sometimes hard to find, but there is no need to put out money for something that should be free. A good contractor knows that free-estimates will produce more work for them and meeting them in person will give you a chance to get to know their personality, demeanor, and give you an overall impression of the contractor.

When you have met all three and received their bids (normally by mail), do a comparison. Note the prices and when the work will be completed by. Cheaper is not always a better way to go, but, if the contractor can give you references of pass jobs, customers of his that you may call and talk to and if all that you hear is pleasing to you, then he may be the one you are looking for.

Remember to ask when can he get started and when does he expect to be finished, how many guys are on his crew, does he have insurance? If he gets done early, does his price go down? What does he need to get started (Down Payment)? Ask him for ideas for your project or how to improve it.

You need to know all these things and the contractor need to know what you want and what your needs are. You are his boss and what you want should be his priority, Good contractors will be able to give you choices as well as ideas. The perfect contractor will give you both and will work with you and your ideas to give you what you want at the price you both will find agreeable.

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