The Council of Better Business Bureaus reports that home improvements rank first in nationwide inquiries and fourth in complaints. There are many reliable contractors, of course, but it takes time to find one that is right for you. These guidelines can help:

In the beginning. Don’t be fooled by credentials. Being a ‘licensed’ contractor may mean only that a person has paid a $50 fee required by the city, though some areas may have more stringent regulations. The only way to judge a contractor is to get objective references and to look at their work. Ask to see references, then ask each home-owner about the contractors working style: Did they keep them informed of delays or hitches? Did they listen to their questions and suggestions? Above all, ask about the attention to detail and the commitment to finishing the work.

When you meet with the contractor ask: “How many projects are you working on now”? It’s a good sign if they are in demand, but make sure that they are not overbooked and continually behind schedule. Also ask: “Who handles problems and complaints”? If it’s a foreman on the job, a secretary in the office, or the contractor themselves, it’s always good to know. Don’t be pressured. The hurry-up contractor who insists, “If you don’t decide immediately, I won’t be able to get to your job for six months”, should be scratched from your list.

Making the choice. When you have narrowed the field to at least two possibilities, insist on a written quote. If a contractor says he works only on a ‘time and materials’ or ‘cost-plus’ basis, disqualify him. You could run the risk of writing checks until the cows come home.

One of the most common mistakes people make is being charmed by the lowest estimate. If the price sounds too good to be true, you’re probably not going to get full value. You will most likely get the best results with one of the middle estimates. If the contractor you’re most comfortable with is ten or fifteen percent over your budget, ask if they will redesign the job without sacrificing the quality. Chances are, you and the contractor can probably come to an agreement.

Reaching an agreement. For even the smallest job, the only acceptable contract in one that’s on paper. If you don’t understand something in the contract, ask that it be explained. A contract should cover work and materials and the cost or pay schedule. All the materials should be spelled out. For instance, ‘granite counter’ is unacceptable. ‘Uba Tuba Granite with 4” splash and Full Bullnose edge’ may be wordier, but it’s understood by everyone.

Before the first nail is hammered, be certain you contractor has liability and workers comp insurance. If a worker is injured on your property, your homeowner’s policy probably won’t cover him, and you could be liable. Also make sure that your remodeler obtains necessary building permits.

Remember that the toughest thing for the contractor to specify is job completion. The wrong materials might be shipped, something might be back ordered, and you never know what you are going to find when you demolish a plaster wall or take down a soffit over the wall cabinets. It’s always safe to say that the job will take longer that you predict.

Pay periods. Down payments vary with each company. Make sure it’s clearly stated on the contract and that you are fully aware of the payment schedule. At Kitchen Emporium we require a 50% deposit to order materials, a 25% payment upon delivery of cabinets, and the remaining 25% amount upon completion of work.

Remember that a remolding job can be an emotional, as well as financial investment. Once the workers have gone, you and your family must live with the job they did. For that reason alone, it’s well worth taking the time to find a contractor who’s truly proud of their work- and who wants you to feel the same way and is not afraid to give you all the references you want. And those that operate without a physical street address with an office and showroom can be the quickest to leave town.