As you approach and finalize your decision on a remodeler, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Before you sign a contract:

• Ask the remodeler to share with you names and phone numbers of some customers that have experienced the remodeler's work.
• Ask to see similar jobs as yours. Does the quality of work meet your standards?

• Would you hire this company again?
• Did the remodeler maintain a neat job site and haul away debris?
• Were delays kept to a minimum? Was the job completed within budget?
• Easy to work with? Dealt well with any unexpected problems?

• Ask yourself if you feel comfortable with the remodeler and confident that this company will do the work according to your plans, budget and specs.
• Ask for a written estimate of the work to be done. If it fits your plans, make sure you can pay for it. If it is more than you can afford, see where you can trim things down or even postpone it.
• Ask the remodeler to explain plans, specs and company procedures for you. If you compare estimates, be sure each one is based on the same set of plans and scope of work.
• Find out whether the modeler uses a detailed, written contract to protects both of you and that complies with local, state and federal laws. The contract must spell out the work that will and will not be performed and provide a fair payment schedule.
• Select the remodeler with a track record of a variety of excellent projects and plenty of experience with your type of project. Again, be wary of an exceptionally low price.