Picking a contractor

This week we take a look at your best approach for choosing a contractor. Knowing which questions to ask will ensure that you are making a smart choice when it comes to who is working on your house. After all, it is the number one asset you own and you don't want to trust it to just anyone.

Speak to their suppliers

Most people know to get referrals of contractors from friends and to ask prospective contractors for references. However, another source to assess a prospective contractor is by speaking to their primary suppliers. Ask the contractor you are interested in where his favorite lumberyard or homecentre is. Those proprietor's will know what it is like to do business with the contractor on a daily basis, if he pays his bills and will be able to give you great insight into his professionalism.

Client References

Ask for references from the contractors first one or two clients. Why? This will give you great insight into how long he has been in business and you will get the perspective of a homeowner who has lived with his work over the span of years.

The Crew

Most contractors are working multiple contracts and will not be the actual people working on your house.
Ask to meet his general foreman and to see him at work on a current job site. This will you a great view of the people who will be working on your home and give the contractor a great incentive to highlight his best people, his A-team.

The Bid Process

When the discussion turns to money, always insist on an itemized bid from your contractor. An itemized bid will help both you and the contractor understand the scope of the project, avoiding any disputes further down the road. The contractors bid should provide a thorough item by item cost break down of demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, tile, fixtures-all the elements of the job. If the prospective contractor will not provide you with an itemized breakdown of costs then don't hesitate to move on to a professional that will.

For more information on this topic and other information about fighting back against bad contractors, contractor scams, and getting the very best work from your contractor. Just visit HouseLogic.com and search by "contractor".

Written by Gil Gross for Real Estate Today Copyright © 2010 Presented by the National Association of Realtors ® All Rights Reserved.