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- Contact at least three different contractors to meet with you and give you an estimate.
- Make sure that each contractor is pricing the same thing. It is best to have a clear definition of what you want drawn out and specified. This will give you the ability to compare the contractors proposals with each other.
- Seriously consider hiring a designer first, this way you can work with the designer to decide exactly what you want, the best way to accomplish your desires and eliminate most of the problems before they occur. The designer can draw you up a set of plans & material specification for your project, thus giving the contractors all something to base their estimate on. This will probably save you a lot of time in the end. Most designers will also provide you with oversight for your project while it is progressing. They can do such things as help you decide on a contractor, help you make sure the project is being done properly and check each pay request from the contractor to ensure you do not over pay at any point in the project and place yourself in an awkward situation. I really believe this is the best way to protect yourself from major problems during a construction project and since my company is beginning to pursue this type of work I can't help but suggest it.
- Ask each contractor for at least three past project references. Make sure the references are from recent projects, say the last two years or so, and make sure that at least two of the three are from projects that are similar to yours.
- Don't simply read the references, take the extra time to contact all of them and I suggest trying to set up a time to go and view at least one of the project references. This is another area where your designer came help. Request, when you hire your designer, that they include visiting one of your references in their fee. They should be much more qualified to evaluate the quality of the work performed and the quality of the materials used.
- Finally, don't simply hire the contractor with the lowest estimate, especially if the lowest estimate is extremely low. That contractor has probably made a mistake, and while legally you could force them to abide by their estimate, it is probably not in your best interest to do so. Weigh all the factors - price quote, references, professionalism and overall since you get when dealing with each contractor. Remember, you are going to have to deal with this contractor for the next several weeks and communicate with them daily.