| When making home improvements, some | | | | contractor you contact. |
| homeowners choose to handle theproject themselves. | | | | Instead, request information and quotes from several |
| However, individuals with little home | | | | companies. |
| improvementknowledge will have to rely on a | | | | Get an estimate and ask how long it will take to |
| contractor. Selecting a good andaffordable contractor | | | | complete the job. Eachcompany will quote you slight |
| is essential. Because some contractors are shady | | | | different estimates. It is tempting tochoose the least |
| andcharge ridiculously high fees, picking the right | | | | expensive contractor. However, keep in mind that |
| contractor requiresresearch. Here are a few tips to | | | | moreexpensive contractors may use better materials |
| help you pick the best contractor for yournext home | | | | or has a reputation forgood work. |
| improvement project. | | | | Research Contractors with the Better Business |
| Get Referrals from Family and Friends | | | | Bureau |
| Asking family and friends for the name of a good | | | | As you begin your search for a good contractor, |
| contractor may proveworthwhile. If a relative or | | | | contact the Better |
| acquaintance completed similar homeimprovements, | | | | Business Bureau (BBB) in your local area. If a |
| and were satisfied with the work, using the same | | | | contractor or company hasreceived any complaints |
| contractor mayspeed up the selection process. Trying | | | | from past customers or has developed a |
| to identify a shady contractoris difficult. Using referrals | | | | badreputation, the BBB will have this information. While |
| to select a contractor will increase yourchances of | | | | browsing contractors,choose one with a flawless |
| finding a reputable home improvement company. | | | | record. |
| Browse Contractors Listed in the Yellow Pages | | | | Along with researching complaints by the BBB, request |
| If your friends and family cannot refer a good | | | | references fromthe contractor. Ideally, references |
| contractor, you willhave to rely on the yellow pages | | | | should be current and includecustomers that had similar |
| and other forms of advertisements. Theyellow pages | | | | work completed on their homes. Contact |
| include many listings, which makes the selection | | | | previouscustomers to see if they were satisfied with |
| processchallenging. Rule of thumb: do not hire the first | | | | the contractor's work. |