How to Find the Right Contractor for Any Job
You've been saving up and researching remodeling ideas, and you're ready to start a dream project in your home. The next step is finding the right contractor for the job. (Remember, the same tips for finding a contractor will apply to any job being done in your home, so read on to find out more.) 
From: Modular Homeowners
Locating Contractors
The first thing to know when looking for a contractor is to acknowledge how important this decision is. You're the one investing your money, time, and letting people into your home; you want to be happy and satisfied with the results. While searching for a contractor, reach out to friends, family members, and co-workers who have hired a contractor recently. Asking people you know for references is valuable, because they can provide insight into the quality of the contractor's work. You can also ask contractors for their references and check online reviews. Other resources for finding contractors include listings from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. Also, be sure to double check the licenses of the contractors and make sure they have a certificate of insurance. Additional places to check contractors' track records are your state's protection agency and the Better Business Bureau.
Research their Work and Track Records
Once you have a list of contractors to go through, it's time to do your research. Contact each candidate directly, and ask them thorough questions about their business. What are their working relationships with their subcontractors? Are they interested in the work, and are they able to complete your project? Do they have previous clients you can contact to see their craftsmanship and ask questions? Get in contact with those previous clients and ask them to tell you about the experience. Did they feel the contractor was communicative and did they encounter any hidden costs? Were problems dealt with efficiently and fairly? Was the job completed on time? See if you can view previous work the contractor completed. Try to see an older project (from five years ago or older), as well as a recently completed project. Is the work standing up to the test of time, and does it meet your standards and expectations? Also, consider visiting one of the contractor's job sites to get an idea of how well they treat the property and whether or not they follow safety regulations.
Making the Final Decision
Filter out candidates and then get an estimate from your three to five top choices. Meet in-person so you can find out how you get along, and if you think this person is good at communicating with you. Are they someone you feel comfortable trusting your home with? When you get the estimates, make sure you are getting a detailed breakdown for the job, and be wary if a contractor asks for a large sum of the cost upfront. Get everything in writing and review the contract before signing it. Don't immediately go with the cheapest bid and don't cut corners; sometimes spending a little extra is worth it to get the contract who is the best fit. It's your hard earned money and your home, and you want to get the right results! About the Author: This guest blog is contributed by Square 1 Group, a website design company. Square 1 Group is a website design company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. They provide custom services to a wide array of clients, including real estate agencies, professional comedians, fashion brands, big-box retailers, and more. Their team creates individualized web design, offers maintenance and support, and is available for online content creation.