My Significant Other owns a small millwork shop dealing in interior and exterior remodeling projects. I have worked for him for the past 10 summers doing finish work. We both know many, many other contractors; the good and the bad. Here are some guidelines from the inside:
If the price seems really steep, the contractor doesn't want your job. He's busy, but since many contractors live from job to job, they feel compelled to bid on jobs and give you a "go away" price. This means you will have to take a number and wait for him to finish whoever was ahead of you. So ask: If you can't do this job, who would you recommend?
Asking for money up front is NOT a no-no in big remodeling jobs or expensive custom projects.The traditional rule is: 1/3 up front, 1/3 halfway through (this is where you check for change orders, mistakes, add-ons, etc.) and 1/3 upon completion. Good independent contractors get stiffed all the time. The contractor plans on the payment schedule to cover his costs for special materials, such as custom wood or hardware for your cabinets, colored pavers for your driveway, special order paint or finishes, or special historic houseparts. The contractor cannot always front you for your expensive tastes or special orders that may exceed his estimates when transportation costs rise suddenly. If you have concerns about itemizing, ask for daily receipts or a work journal.
Show the contractor pictures of what you want. Be specific. It is easier for a contractor to try to match a picture than try to read your mind. If you want a tree cut down, did you ask him to haul the wood out, too? If he's putting in a furnace, who's taking the old one out? The old adage about not assuming rings true.
Plan ahead. Don't call someone to make a mantel for Christmas stockings in November.He has customers who called in October and put down a deposit. If he does manage to fit you in and get your rush job done, pay him in cash.
Don't judge a book by it's truck. "Work trucks" should look like that. Ours is about 15 years old, with a trailer hitch for the tool trailer and materials. Look for solid carrying racks, good tires, and a trailer hitch. A rusted-out junker, however is a pretty good sign that he's a hack. Any kind of sedan means it's his first job.
Engage in a planning meeting when he comes to do the estimate. Talk to him.Share your budget. Ask questions like: What are the steps in this remodel? How long has he been in the business? Does he have an area of specialty? If you have a timeline, ask how realistic it is. Ask about disruption to the household- for example, will he have to shut a water main off? What material will he put in the windows when they are being repaired?
Be flexible to minor setbacks. If you're getting a new shower installed, and a problem with your plumbing arises, realize that every additional thing that needs to be fixed within the range of the job pushes your original deadline back.
Speak up if it's not going right. If the cabinet doors aren't flush, the hardware is wrong, or the trim colors look ugly, say something. Don't wait until he's done. If you're not happy, speak up ASAP- don't wait until the end of the job, when he has to rip it all out or start over.
Finally, many left-brain, handy guys are not super articulate or chatty- they focus on the job. Super chatty, charming guys are going to take longer on the job, but you'll have some nice conversations.