Finding Good Contractors

Choosing your remodeler is the most important decision in a remodeling project. Take your time and be thorough in your search. Here are just a few places to start looking for the best contractor for your job:

Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Nearly half of all projects signed by a contractor are the result of client referrals. An additional 22 percent of jobs are the result of word-of-mouth. These are your best sources for leads:

Relatives
Friends
Neighbors
Business Colleagues
Lenders
Architects/Designers
Real Estate Agents
Suppliers
Subcontractors

Other sources include:

The local NARI chapter in your area.
The Find a Pro section of this Web site.
Job site signs: Pay particular attention to homes with signs from their contracting company on their lawn. Is the site clean? Are tools and materials being handled in a responsible manner? Are there dust covers over the owner's belongings to protect them?
Local Media Attention: Look for articles about local remodelers. Also check out local home improvement columns in the newspaper and radio talk shows in your area-they can be a great source for finding a qualified, personable contractor.
Direct Mail: SSome contractors will send direct mail to homeowners within a few blocks of a current job. Call and ask the homeowner if you could tour the project with the contractor.
Seminars: Attend local seminars on home improvement topics. Some firms host free seminars on how to choose a remodeler and other interesting remodeling topics. Check your local newspaper community news section for information.
Home Shows: This is a somewhat tricky place to interview contractors since they will be surrounded by other consumers. However, this is a great place to gather information about companies and to make an initial contact with the contractors.