First and foremost,

begin your search using ServiceMagic's pre-screened network of home building contractors and service professionals

click to search home building contractors

ServiceMagic maintains a rating system submitted by previous customers on various contractors and service professionals

You may view this rating system prior to selecting your contractor.

ServiceMagic will also guarantee the service.

That is the assurance you need to make sure the project is done correctly

begin your home builder selection process here

Make sure your builder is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI)

or member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

these Associations represent building and remodeling contractors, product manufacturers, and other industry specialists

these associations are committed to enhancing the professionalism of the home building/remodeling industry

members must abide by a standard code of ethics: view NARI code of ethics

NARI certification includes exams and certification classes: view certification requirements

More information about the NARI / NAHB:

contact the chapter within your area for information about a potential contractor

visit NARI.org | visit NAHB.org

Check the contractor's place of business, phone number, and other industry associations —

make sure they are valid establishments

make sure the contractor is fully licensed with local and state governments, if required

check with your local jurisdiction to ensure the license is valid and up-to-date — do not base the contractor's license with a business card or verbal commitment

lookup state, county and city governments for information on the contractor's license:
www.statelocalgov.net

make sure the contractor is fully insured and carries worker's compensation, liability insurance and property damage insurance — ask to review the documentation

Check with your local Better Business Bureaus, building associations, and other consumer protection agencies:

view the Better Business Bureau

ensure that there is no outstanding complaints, fines, or penalties issued against the contractor — if so, make sure the contractor provides a valid explanation

you can view more information about selecting your contractor:
from the national association of the remodeling industry

Meet with the contractor face-to-face

be prepared to show drawings, specifications, and clippings from illustrations and products

see project specifications plan

be detail in your specs
this increases the likelihood that the contractor is the right person for the job

be prepared to ask questions about the contractor and your project — note that you are looking for the person with best all-around service and qualification

Sample questions include:

— business establishment
— time frame
— operation policy
— certifications and permits
— insurance
— crew and use of subcontractors
— review of sample projects
— other

the NARI has a complete list of interview questions:
view interview questions

NARI also provides a summary of "warning signs" during interviews: click here

Request references from previous clients

request for a list of references from previous clients contact these references to inquiry on the builders work habits, completion schedule, clean up, and any other related issues or problems that the previous client may have experienced

sample questions to ask —

question:
did the home building contractor complete the home construction within your satisfaction?

question:
was the project completed on time?

question:
did the contractor fulfill his or her part of the contract?

question:
was the contractor easy to communicate with?

question:
did the contractor and his crew showed up on time?

question:
were you satisfied with the subcontractors that your contractor used?

question:
would you recommend this contractor again without hesitation?