by Dorothy Sander

Created on: May 31, 2009   Last Updated: June 03, 2009

Making the decision to have work done on your home is a big enough decision. You have thought long and hard about what you want to do and how to pay for it. Home improvements will raise the value of your home and you know this, but hiring the wrong home improvement contractor could turn your dreams into one long nightmare.

You can find the perfect home improvement contractor by following a few simple steps and doing your homework. Do not hire the first contractor you come across, even if your best friend swears they're a dream come true. Always evaluate the contractor from your own perspective. You may have very different standards.

ASK YOUR FRIENDS

That being said, go ahead and ask your friends for their recommendations! It's a good place to start. Someone with first-hand experience will tell you details, like is the contractor timely, neat, thorough, and easy to work with. You can also see their work first hand.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE

Most small home improvement stores, such as paint stores, decorating businesses, tile stores and such, have contractors they recommend to customers. They will be happy to share this information with you.

READ REVIEWS ONLINE

The best home improvement contractors of all types have websites, and local networks such as City Search, allow people to post reviews. See what you can find out about contractors in your area.

VISIT THE CONTRACTOR'S WEBSITE

This won't tell you how good their work is or if they'll show up on time, but it will tell you how seriously they take their business. Any business, large or small, worth its salt has a top notch website. Read it and get a feel for what they believe is important. A good contractor will have before and after photos as well.

MAKE A LIST OF THREE

Collect a list of three contractors who have made an impression on you so far. Now it's time to meet them face to face, get an estimate, check their credentials, and call their references.

CAN YOU COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONTRACTOR?

When you are sitting and talking with potential contractors, ask yourself if you feel like he understands what you are looking for. Do you understand their answers to your questions? Do you have a good rapport with them? Do they return your phone calls promptly? These things will be vitally important down the road if you choose them to do your home improvement work.

CHECK REFERENCES

Do actually check their references! Don't assume that just because they gave you three names on a piece of paper, that they are good references. Call them! Don't be shy. Most people are happy to share this information, good or bad! A good home improvement contractor will also belong to a professional or community organization, such as the Better Business Bureau.

CHOOSE YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR

Once you have found your favorite, jump in. Home improvement projects are never without their problems, so be as flexible as possible without giving up quality. Above all, make sure you have a signed contract with the contractor you choose that covers all contingencies. If the project is large, you might want to have your lawyer take a quick look at it to make sure you're well protected should something go awry. It's worth the extra money.

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