Finding the right builder or contractor for your job at home doesn't have to be a challenge.

Homeowners everywhere are finishing do-it-yourself projects they can be proud of for years to come. And for the other jobs, they’re looking for just the right contractor.

So, how do you find the right contractor? Short of closing your eyes and picking one out of the phone book, it takes a little bit of work, but should be worth it in the end.

Ask a friend

You have a network of friends, right? You trust them, right? So pick their brains and ask whom they’ve selected to work on their homes.

• Who did they hire?
• Did the job get done right, on time, and on budget?
• What pitfalls did the contractor experience?
• Overall, were your friends satisfied enough to endorse their contractors?

Personal recommendations and positive word of mouth are great places to start finding a contractor.

Shop around

Once you have your list of contractors, it’s time to do some homework. Learn more about the professionals on your list by verifying a few important things like:

• The contractor license number
• The contractor’s business location and phone number
• Any possible compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage

Online contractor directories are becoming more accepted avenues for finding the right professional. Sites like AngiesList.com and ServiceMagic.com are popular ways to narrow down exactly who you want fiddling around your “stuff” at home.

Some plugged-in contractors might even have their own web site that makes this information highly visible.

Ask the contractors to show their work

What’s wrong with getting a sample of their craftsmanship? Request photos or contact information of past customers so you can get a taste of what they’re capable of doing—as well as any possible limitations.

Again, if your prospective contractor manages his or her own web site, it should proudly boast images of their handiwork.

Get everything in writing

Verbal agreements just don’t cut it anymore. Unfortunately, we live in a litigious society and not everyone’s as honorable as you’d like them to be. Avoid surprises and obtain a work order outlining exactly what will be done and the estimated cost.

Hiring a contractor to work on your home doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out, and complicated process. But you should be thorough enough to make an educated, confident decision as to who will work on your home.

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