You love your home-it is convenient to work and leisure activities, the neighborhood is great, and you like the school district; however, your home no longer to meets your family’s needs. Consequently, you decide it would be ideal if you could just knock out a wall and build another room. Sounds like a great plan…but now you are faced with a new dilemma, how to choose a contractor? This can be daunting, due to the many listings in the paper, the phonebook and online, so here are some guidelines to keep in mind before you sign the dotted line.

1. How old is the company? Using well-established contractors means that you will be able to check them out through the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission.

2. Ask about licensing – Most states require current licensing and registration for anyone who does building, remodeling and repair work.

3. Will they provide you with at least 3 references? Ask for the names and locations of previous sites, then take time to go see their work, then ask the following:

• Were they satisfied?
• Was the job completed on time?
• Were you kept “in the know” of any problems and progress?
• Were they punctual?
• Would you hire them again? Why or why not?

4. If the contractor you hire is using sub-contractors, ask to meet them. Find out if they were paid on time. This is to protect yourself from a “merchant’s lien”. Also, ask the contractor to sign a lien waver or lien release. If the contractor won’t sign, then you shouldn’t either.

5. What type of insurance does the contractor have? Their insurance should include personal liability, workman’s compensation and property damage. Be sure to see the insurance certificates and check if they are current.

As you begin talking to potential contractors, be sure you aren’t “hammered by a scammer”. Be wary if any of the following occurs:

• Door to door solicitation
• Discounts given for finding additional customers
• Just happens to have materials left over from another job
• You have to get the building permit
• Company not listed in the phone book
• Says your job will be a demonstration
• Ask for entire payment upfront or only accepts cash
• High pressure for immediate commitment

There are many reputable home contractors available. So, do your homework by talking to people you know and checking out websites like LocalPrice.com and before you know it, your home can have that extra space.