If you're considering building a new home or remodeling the home you're in now, here's a checklist and important information to help you select your contractor.

Do they have a permanent business address?

Can they provide references?

Ask to see their state license or check online at the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Licensing Division. Click Here

Do they have current liability insurance and workers compensation coverage? Note: If you hire someone who is unlicensed and/or uninsured you may be held liable for any injuries that occur while working on your property.

How long have they been in business?

Check with your city building department for any local complaints.

Check with your county clerk to make sure there are no civil suits against the contractor.

Check with your local home builders association to see if they are a member.*

Make sure you receive a complete, clearly written contract for the work to be done.

Do not pay cash up front.

Be sure the estimates specify the total price and the method of payment, the kind and quality of materials to be used and the estimated length of time it will take to complete the work.

*Members of the Home Builders Association have access to the latest industry information through the association sponsored educational programs, Michigan Builder magazine, and the networking that takes place at the conventions, conferences, and general membership meetings. Active members show their commitment and dedication to the industry by donating their time and often their financial resources. They serve on committees, communicate with their legislators, and are involved in community projects; all to enhance the professionalism of the industry.

"Builders should be involved in the industry to keep up with the latest changes in codes, products and techniques, These benefits make the members of the association the cream of the crop. Non members may be out-of-touch with such issues and thus do their clients -- and themselves -- a disservice."

February 22, 2008

The decision to hire a home remodeler can be intimidating. This section will give you the tools and inside information on finding, evaluating, hiring and working with a remodeler. Your home is your biggest investment, and the best way to protect it is by hiring an ethical, professional remodeler. Let’s get started!

Find a Professional

When you hire a remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service the remodeler provides will determine the quality of the finished product and your satisfaction.

Get a List: The first step to hiring a professional is to build a list of candidates, and flipping through the Yellow Pages is not the ideal method. Learn the best way to begin your search.

The Inside Scoop: Once you have your list of remodelers, how do you properly evaluate their credentials? Get the inside information on what to ask and look for in home contractors.

Evaluate References: You don’t want to just question the remodeler, but also learn first hand from the remodeler’s current and former customers. Learn what to ask references.

Make the Decision: Now you’ve done your homework and it’s time to choose. Get some final guidelines to evaluate your remodeler.

Work With a Professional

Since you’ve done the hard work of evaluating and hiring a professional, the next step is ensuring your home remodel goes smoothly.

Live with Your Remodel: The only thing left is the remodeling itself. Learn how to adapt to your home as a work site, communicate with your remodeler, and schedule your project for a smooth remodeling experience.

Prevent the Fever: Now that the project is underway, the disruption can become rather large depending on the scope of the remodel. Learn how to manage the potential stress of a project that’s underway.

Be a Good Neighbor: A professional remodeler goes out of their way to minimize any inconvenience to your neighbors, but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to be neighborly yourself. Learn more.

Home Maintenance: Finally, now that you’ve gone though the time, energy, and expense of upgrading your home you want to keep it in top shape. View some tips on keeping your home well maintained.

Source: Tom Higgins NAHB