Choosing a good contractor like G.L. Scrivens is often the most important part of a home-improvement project. A great contractor can make the whole process smooth; a marginal one can leave you drained, financially and emotionally.

The following tips can help you find a good contractor.

1. Get recommendations and references. Talk to friends relatives and others who have used the contractor for similar work.
2. Get written estimates. Insist the contractors come to your home to see what needs to be done. Make sure that all the estimates are based on the same work so that you can make meaningful comparisons.
3. Check contractor compliant records. Your state or local consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau can provide this information.
4. Make sure your contractor meets licensing and registration requirements. Your state or local consumer protection agency can help you find what these requirements are.
5. Get the name of suppliers and ask if the contractor makes timely payments.
6. Be sure that a building permit is obtained.
7. Be sure your contractor is insured. A contractor should have personal liability, property damage and worker's compensation insurance for workers and subcontractors.
8. Larger projects should be named as “additional insured” on the Contractor’s Liability Policy.
9. Be very clear on what you expect to be done, and understand the cost.  “Hidden Costs” can, and frequently do increase the job cost, especially when changes are made.  Ask your Contractor for a written change order that will indicate exactly what the change is to be, and the cost of same.
10.  Before meeting with a Contractor to discuss your requirements, make a  list of questions to go over.

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