How to Hire a Contractor

Cramped kitchen. Inelegant bathroom. Ugly paint job. You've lived with the imperfections for years. Now's the time to invest in bigger, better surroundings. Before letting the hammers swing, you can save yourself some legwork by choosing a screened and approved contractor from ServiceMagic.

Also consider the following 10 tips for hiring the right contractor:

1. Do your homework. Without careful planning, your project could become a nightmare of missed deadlines, faulty construction or worse.
2. Get multiple bids. Smart bosses don't interview just one person for a job. You shouldn't either.
3. Check for licenses and insurance. Most states require remodeling companies, electricians, plumbers and roofers to be licensed and insured.
4. Ask for references. A great contractor will have excellent references.
5. Check background. Investigate whether others have filed complaints against the contractor with the Better Business Bureau or your state's attorney general.
6. Assess punctuality. Is the contractor's first visit on schedule? If not, this may signal a disorganized company.
7. Be a good customer. Have a clear, written plan about the scope of work you want the contractor to perform.
8. Look for an expert. Has the contractor done this type of work before? For example, fireplace installation and bathroom remodeling often require different skill sets.
9. Insist on permits. Beware of companies that don't want to register the project with the city or state. Keep in mind that some counties do not require permits for specific home improvement projects.
10. Sign a contract. This document should accurately describe the project and include a timeline and payment schedule.
A couple of other cautionary notes: Don't write checks to individual workers; make all payments to a company. And hold off making that final payment until all the work is complete, inspections are final and the job site is cleaned up to your satisfaction.