The most important decision you?ll make when planning a remodeling project is who to hire. Keep in mind that you?re giving a third party free reign in your house?and paying a substantial sum for a product whose costliest components are hidden, from plumbing and electrical wiring to framing and HVAC. It is essential that you trust your remodeling partner implicitly. Below, Four Brothers Design + Build lists the dos and don?ts of choosing your contractor.
Do

Use a company with strong pre-construction/planning, even if little or no design is involved. A well-run construction project takes many hours to plan. If the design is not finalized with materials selected and ordered before construction begins, expect delays and stoppages.
Check online and print forums for reviews. If multiple negative reviews exist, chances are there is a good reason. Interview at least three companies before settling on one.

Don?t

Hire the lowest bidder. As with anything else in life, you usually get what you pay for. Many companies will secure a contract by low-balling an estimate, then assess premeditated change orders once construction begins.
Choose a ?yes man.? You need someone who will tell you the truth even if it is not what you want to hear.
Hire anyone who pushes their own agenda. Your remodeling partner should be receptive to your input.

What to Ask

How much of your business is repeat- or referral-based"
Do you have examples of projects like mine that you have completed recently&q...