There are many decisions to be made when it comes to improving the look and feel of your home, but few decisions are as critical as the choice of the right general contractor. Choosing the right contractor is the best source way to ensure a smooth, seamless and cost effective addition or improvement to your home. Choosing the wrong general contractor can make your long awaited home addition into your biggest nightmare.

Determine what you need

The first step in finding a great general contractor is to determine just what your needs really are. Be sure to scope out and identify the project before you begin contacting general contractors. If the job is a small one, only one type of professional, like a carpenter, may be required. If a home addition, or extensive remodeling, is needed, it may be necessary to hire not only a contractor but an electrician and plumber as well.

If the job is a complicated one, it is important to hire a general contractor who is able to handle all the additional work, and deal effectively with any subcontractors he or she needs to hire.

Make a list

It is important to make a list of general contractors who operate in your area, and to check that list carefully. It is important to carefully check the background, and the references, of all the general contractors. Ask around for references, and be sure to carefully check any references given to you by the contractors themselves.

Be sure to get an estimate

Entering into a relationship with a general contractor without a good estimate in hand is simply asking for trouble. It is important to get at least three general contractors to bid on the project you have, and to spend time with each bidder in order to find the best one.

Before seeking an estimate, it is important to provide a firm project in order to assure an accurate estimate. Be sure to describe the project clearly and in great detail. It is also important to ask each contractor when they can start, and how long they expect the job to take. Remember that general contractors have their busy seasons, usually in the spring and summer months. If you hit the contractor during a busy time, he or she may not be able to get to your job for some time. Be sure you know the start date, and projected completion date, before agreeing to the project.