Find Home Improvement Contractor

Search Home Improvement Contractors

or use the local Yellow Pages to search contractors:
search yellow pages for home contractor

Other Places to Look:

·	nearly half of all referred contractors come from word of mouth — from family, friends, neighbors, neighborhood associations, real estate agents, building suppliers, architects, others
·	view job site signs — these are particularly helpful if you can watch the progress of the project and performance
·	check media shows such as TV, radio, and newspaper clippings
·	visit home shows at new construction sites
·	note that working with a builder begins with designing your project specification plan: download specification plan

Selecting a Home Improvement Contractor

Define your project specification plan prior to selecting a contractor.
The plan will support your selection criteria and cost estimate:
download project specification plan

1. Start with a Pre-Screening Search:
   
   

   	click to search home improvement contractors
   ·	first and foremost, begin your search using the ServiceMagic pre-screened network of home improvement contractors and service professionals
   ·	ServiceMagic maintains a rating system submitted by previous customers on various contractors and service professionals You may view this rating system prior to selecting your contractor: view rating sample
   ·	ServiceMagic will also guarantee the service. That is the assurance you need to make sure the project is done correctly: see service guarantee

   
   
   
2. Make Sure the Contractor has NARI Membership:
   
   

   ·	the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) represents remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, and other industry specialists
   ·	the association is committed to enhancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and serving as an ally to the homeowner
   ·	NARI members must abide by the NARI code of ethics: view code of ethics
   ·	NARI certification includes exams and certification classes: view certification steps
   ·	more information about the NARI: visit NARI.org contact the NARI chapter within your area for information about a potential contractor: view NARI chapter directory

   
   
   
3. Investigate Their Established Business:
   
   

   ·	check the contractor's place of business, phone number, and other industry associations — make sure they are valid establishments
   ·	make sure the contractor is fully licensed with local and state governments, if required check with your local jurisdiction to ensure the license is valid and up-to-date — do not base the contractor's license with a business card or verbal commitment lookup state, county and city governments for information on the contractor's license: http://www.statelocalgov.net
   ·	make sure the contractor is fully insured and carries worker's compensation, liability insurance and property damage insurance — ask to review the documentation
   ·	check with your local Better Business Bureaus, building associations, and other consumer protection agencies: view the Better Business Bureau ensure that there is no outstanding complaints, fines, or penalties issued against the contractor — if so, make sure the contractor provides a valid explanation
   ·	you can view more information about selecting your contractor: from the national association of the remodeling industry

   
   
   
4. Interview the Contractor:
   
   

   ·	meet with the contractor face-to-face — be prepared to show drawings, specifications, and clippings from illustrations and products download project specifications plan
   ·	be detail in your specs — this increases the likelihood that the contractor is the right person for the job
   ·	be prepared to ask questions about the contractor and your project — note that you are looking for the person with best all-around service and qualification
   ·	sample question include: — business establishment — time frame — operation policy — certifications and permits — insurance — crew and use of subcontractors — review of sample projects — other
   ·	the NARI has a complete list of interview questions: view interview questions NARI also provides a summary of "warning signs" during interviews: click here

   
   
   
5. Check References:
   
   

   ·	request for a list of references from previous clients — contact these references to inquiry on the builders work habits, completion schedule, clean up, and any other related issues or problems that the previous client may have experienced sample questions to ask —
   ·	question: did the contractor complete the project within your satisfaction?
   ·	question: was the project completed on time?
   ·	question: did the contractor fulfill his or her part of the contract?
   ·	question: was the contractor easy to communicate with?
   ·	question: did the contractor and his crew showed up on time?
   ·	question: were you satisfied with the subcontractors that your contractor used?
   ·	question: would you use this contractor again without hesitation?