Before You Hire A Contractor

Take the time to Check them out.


Contact the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) - and ask them for a directory of local members. They have strict membership requirements, including a code of ethics and ethics committees.

Run the names on your list by the local building department. Like the trade associations, the building department probably won't recommend any one remodeler - but the people behind the desk will tell you if they recognize names and will perhaps provide some recent history about them or find recent jobs they've worked on in the permit books.

Go to a local lumberyard that caters to professionals and ask the people behind the contractor's desk (not the retail counter) about the names on your list. Like the building department, they might provide some insight, if not an actual recommendation.

 Contact the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) Consumer Affairs Agency, Contractors Licensing Board (usually a state agency, if there is one at all), and the Chamber of Commerce. Don't be too shocked if some of those on your list have claims against them - home remodeling is one of the most common complaints reported to the BBB and other watchdog agencies.

 Look in the yellow pages for those left on your list. The purpose here is not to gauge how much was spent on an ad, but rather how the ad is presented. Does it mention professional affiliations? Does it list a contractor's license number, if appropriate? Some builders may advertise a model that you can visit. While most ads will include buzzwords like "quality" and "service," look for other key words like "design services available" and "warranty." And don't necessarily be wary of a free consultation offer; most professionals are willing to invest some time to get your business and welcome the chance to meet you face-to-face to present themselves