Do an internet search for the words “home renovation” and you’ll find a host of results that lead to businesses in the renovation industry. While there is no shortage of contractors available for every home repair or remodeling project, choosing the right contractor or company for the job is of the utmost importance. No one wants to pay for poor workmanship, incomplete jobs, or worse, nothing at all. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you think. While you can’t stop contractors from taking advantage of homeowners, you can take steps to prevent them from taking advantage of you simply by doing your homework.

Start with references
Chances are family and friends aren’t leading you in the wrong direction with your home renovations. Asking for references on similar jobs that may have been completed is ideal because you can get a good indication of the quality of the work and the reliability of the contractor. If that’s not an option, consider your local home renovation association or home builders, as well as building supply stores.

Background checks
Just like credit card or mortgage companies, running background checks on contractors gives you insight into a company’s reputation and work ethic. Don’t be afraid to ask for names and past job numbers. Contractors are not cheap; your research shouldn’t be either. Don’t settle for letters, these can be fabricated or written by family and friends. A reputable contractor is willing to provide a list of past clients.

Listen to that voice in your head
If you have a bad feeling about a contractor, chances are something isn’t right. A good contractor is easy to communicate with, accessible, returns calls, discusses options for issues that may arise, is knowledgeable, provides estimates on paper, and works within your budget. If you are in any of those items, you may want to move on to the next candidate.

confirm qualifications
I would not hire someone who “reads about” lighting to work on your electricity, that is literally playing with fire. Make sure the contractor and their subcontractors have the proper licenses and skills by applying for their business license number and checking with your local licensing office to see if they are in good standing. You should also check if they are insured for liability and property damage, as well as workers’ compensation.

understand the project
The bigger the reform, the more complicated it will be. Make sure you understand the progression at all its stages; before, during and after completion. Don’t leave yourself or your wallet open to unexpected surprises, assumptions or questions. Have your responsibilities and the contractor’s responsibilities defined and established in writing so all parties know what is expected of them and who is responsible for what.

get it in writing
Lawyers are rich because people choose trust over treaty. Unless it is in writing, you can assume that all verbal agreements are non-existent and will not hold up in court. Confirm renewal details in writing along with quotes, price changes, and arrangements for unexpected delays or costs.

Prices
Sometimes the lowest price is not always the best option. It’s always a good idea to accept several estimates to gauge an average price and negotiate from there. The contractor willing to make “dirty deals” can also take shortcuts; creating potential health and safety issues in the future. Conversely, the contractor who submits an inflated estimate is probably not worth his time or money if a bloated bill supersedes the project.

pay
The way a contractor conducts his financial transactions is a good indication of his work ethic. Someone who requests cash-only payments and is hesitant to provide receipts or a contract is likely unlicensed, uninsured, and almost guaranteed to be unreliable or trustworthy. Cash deals also leave homeowners with little legal recourse if something goes wrong or the contractor decides to walk away. Don’t risk getting burned trying to save a few bucks; he may end up paying double the amount in the future.

Once you’ve chosen a contractor for your renovation project, be sure to keep the lines of communication open. It is important to remember that you will see your contractor and his equipment often and that mutual respect is a give and take; Work with your contractor, but don’t micromanage to the point where you get in the way of their getting their job done. It becomes a distraction and creates an unhealthy work environment.