When done with care and caution, home improvement and remodeling projects add value to your home. But if have ever been involved in such a project

1. Choosing a Contractor for Home Improvement and Remodeling
When done with care and caution, home improvement and remodeling projects add value to your home.
But if have ever been involved in such a project, I’m sure you would agree that it is indeed challenging.
The most important part of the job is to find a contractor who can carry on with the job seamlessly and
efficiently. Here are a few pointers to help you find the right contractor:
1) Ask for referrals: If you have engaged an architect to design and supervise the remodeling, he can help
you assess the contractor’s qualifications and verify his claims about past performance. Architects work in
tandem with contractors during home remodeling projects, and hence are a good source to ask for
references. You can also ask for references from friends and family; preferably someone who has
completed a home project within the last year. Their experience with the contractor can help you zero in
on the right professional.
2) Credentials: Ensure that the contractor is registered and possesses the required licenses from various
state and local bodies to undertake home remodeling. A licensed construction company ensures that
his employees are covered under the Worker’s Compensation Act, thus protecting you from liability in
case of a problem. Make sure to verify for contractor certification issued by the city’s contractor’s licensing
authority/board, and the liability insurance certificate. Reputed contractors usually provide these details
without asking.
3) Check references: The internet is a great source to help you find a contractor of your choice. People
are honest about their experiences and provide candid feedback about the job. There are plenty of sites
that provide information and reviews about contractors. Of course, word of mouth is still the best source,
but if you are starved of time, this is ideal. Besides, you can always check with the Better Business
Bureau to know if there are complaints filed against the general contractor.
4) Obtaining Written Estimates: Professional contractors provide a written estimate of the job, thereby
allowing you to compare between the different quotes. And these quotes are always comprehensive to
include the cost of raw materials, service charges and other miscellaneous charges. Make sure that you
obtain a quote from at least 3 contractors.
5) Interviewing Prospective Contractors: Once you’ve made a list of prospective contractors after
checking for their references, quotes and experiences, make sure to set up a meeting where you can
discuss about the details of the project.

2. About the author
The author of this article has expertise in hospital construction. The articles on home improvement
and remodeling reveals the author’s knowledge on the same. The author is a contractor and owns a
construction company as well.