Whether you are building a new house, remodeling your current one, or fixing a home after a natural disaster. There are many questions to ask your prospective contractor. This can save you from possible headaches, or even losing all of your money. I will share with you what to look, or ask, for when hiring that contractor. I will keep it simple and short, for a quick read (I normally go into way more detail).

(1) The Basics: Make sure he has proof of insurance (Workman's comp., limited liability, and theft) coverage. Make sure he shows you proof of being licensed, bonded, or registered (Where required by law). Ask if he will provide references of prior work done and from suppliers. Check with your local business affairs office or the Better Business Bureau for complaints (Keep in mind that nobody is perfect, see what he has done to rectify these complaints). Make sure he has a permanent address. If he doesn't, you might be dealing with a scam artist who just moves from place to place. Picking up and leaving after he takes a few peoples money. These are the guys to watch out for after a damaging hail storm, flooding, or any other natural disaster.

(2) Is he progressive?: You need to find out if he keeps up with the newest concepts and designs. For instance, if he is building like they were building even 5 years ago. He could be costing you money in the long run, with higher energy bills and longer building times.

(3) Is he prompt?: If he doesn't reschedule when he can't make it, is late showing up without calling, or does not return your calls after your second call. You might be in for a not so fun game of waiting. This shows that he is not very attentive to his customers. A good builder/contractor/re-modeler will always answer their phone. Unless they are in a meeting, or have something in their hands. Also watch out for someone who gives you a lot of excuses.

(4) Difficult or Dismissive: Make sure he is easy to talk too and does not dismiss your ideas by saying, " I have been doing this for a long time!". He should be appeasing and attentive, just like a customer service representative. "We'll do it however you want it done, as long as we know how to do it! If we don't know how to do it. We will recommend, or bring someone in, who does." is a good answer to hear.

(5) Well Organized: Look to see if he keeps a tidy, fast moving, and organized site. Suggest that you want to stop by a current project that he is working on. If it is messy and the crew is running around looking like chickens with their heads cut off. You could be in for a long building/remodeling time.

These are just a few of the things that I have learned from talking to people and my local Home Builder's Association. Contact your local chapter for more ideas. They should be able to recommend builders/re-modelers that have the basics (#1) covered. In order for builders/contractors to be member's of most Builder's Associations, they must show proof of certain things. Again, give your local association a call for more information. When you have multiple builders/contractors/re-modelers meet all of your criteria, then just go with your gut on which one you think will do the best job. But only after your research is done and all proof has been shown. Like with all major, and even minor, decisions.....DO YOUR RESEARCH! It always pays off in the end.