• Talk with friends, relatives, or family members who have an experience in hiring home remodeling contractors. Ask for referrals. These people will give you someone the have dealt with successfully. Get the numbers of the contractors that they referred and call these contractors. When you call these contractors, mention that he was referred by a friend or relative who is his previous client. By mentioning this, the contractor will feel flattered that he is trusted by someone you know and that you did not randomly choose him out of nowhere. This will motivate him and he will do his best in dealing with you.

You can also do your own research if you were not able to get any referrals from your friends or relatives. Search the yellow pages and list down the numbers of home remodeling contractors. Interview each and choose the ones that meet your standards or expectations.

• Finally, once you have decided on a contractor, have a talk with the contractor about the remodeling project—the plan itself, the prices and labor cost, and the amount of time needed. Be clear and precise while having this talk. Do not beat around the bush, especially when it comes to the cost and price. Be straightforward and say what you really want so that there will be no misunderstandings because of poor communication on your part.

• Once you have agreed on the details, put everything in writing. Do not be content with only verbal agreement between you and your contractor. Written agreement will be proof of what you have discussed and agreed upon. This document should include all the pertinent details about the project such as the materials to be used and their corresponding prices, the time frame for the plan to be finished, different tasks to be undertaken during the whole renovating process, and the amount and date when you have to pay.

You should hire a contractor with whom you are comfortable with and someone you feel you can trust. You are gong to renovate your house, a place that you consider your sanctuary that keeps you safe from the outside world’s harm. Never trust your home to someone who you feel you cannot trust. It might sound ridiculous but trust your gut instinct. It is like hiring a babysitter for your child. You will never leave your child to someone who you think or feel is capable of doing something bad to him/her. It is okay to ask for credentials, documents, certificates, or other proofs that will give you an idea about your contractor’s reputation and professionalism.