The fact that you are on this site and reading in this section means that you are at least thinking about renovations to your home. It can be a very exciting time, but don't let yourself be run over by the wheels of progress. The decisions you make now will have long term impact on the future value of your home. Your home is most likely the biggest investment of your life, make sure that when looking to hire a contractor, you take the steps to ensure your getting what your paying for. Here are a some helpful tips and hints to use in your search for the best contractor:

Don't Tell Me - Show Me - Everybody will tell how good they are and how their work is always of the highest quality, while that may be true, make sure you get a list of projects that you can drive by that is representative of the contractors work. If they are unwilling to give that to you - STRIKE ONE!

Get It In Writing - Whether it is a quote or a testimonial, get it in writing. Unfortunately in this day and age people's word is not always their bond. Don't accept a verbal quote EVER. Get in writing so that there are no misunderstandings down the road.

Be Vigilant - Once the deal is done and you've chosen your contractor, with your quote in hand, make sure that you are getting the material that you paid for. Some dishonest contractors will promise high quality material but actually apply a cheaper brand. That is often referred to as the "bait and switch". Inspect the materials being put on your home. If your contractor won't list the exact brand and type of material on your quote - STRIKE TWO!!

Be Realistic - With all the home renovation shows on TV these days. Most people operate under the false assumption that you can remodel a kitchen or re-roof a house in 30 minutes plus commercials. This of course is not a realistic expectation, good quality work can take time, rushing your contractor to finish isn't good for either party.

Too Good To Be True - Make sure that for your own piece of mind, get more than one quote on your project. It will save you from paying too much as well as paying to little, yes, too little. Quality workmanship and materials cost money, that's a fact of life, if one contactor's estimate is way lower than the others, he is skimping on one or the other or most probably on both. If it is too good to be true, it is - STRIKE THREE!!! - THEY'RE OUT!