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GettingAhead Association Home » Housing » Improving & Maintaining

How can you find a reliable contractor for your remodeling project? Choose one or more of the following methods.

Word-of-Mouth Referrals
Almost half of all projects signed by a contractor are the result of client referrals. An additional 22 percent of jobs are the result of word-of-mouth referrals. These are your best sources for leads:
  • Relatives
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • Business Colleagues
  • Lenders
  • Architects/Designers
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Suppliers
  • Subcontractors
Other sources include:
  • The local National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) chapter in your area
  • The Find a Pro section of the NARI Web site
  • Job site signs — Pay particular attention to homes with signs of their contracting company on their lawn. Is the site clean? Are tools and materials being handled in a responsible manner? Are there dust covers over the owner's belongings to protect them?
  • Local Media Attention — Look for articles about local remodelers. Also check out local home improvement columns in the newspaper and radio talk shows in your area-they can be a great source for finding a qualified, personable contractor.
  • Direct Mail — Some contractors will send direct mail to homeowners within a few blocks of a current job. Call and ask the homeowner if you could tour the project with the contractor.
  • Seminars — Attend local seminars on home improvement topics. Some firms host free seminars on how to choose a remodeler and other interesting remodeling topics. Check your local newspaper community news section for information.
  • Home Shows — This is a somewhat tricky place to interview contractors since they will be surrounded by other consumers. However, this is a great place to gather information about companies and to make an initial contact with the contractors.
This article was submitted by The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, which is committed to educating both trade professionals and remodeling-ready homeowners. NARI does this by reaching out to a diverse audience in a variety of formats including education, training, publications and programs. Contact NARI at (800) 611-6274. Submission of this article does not imply an endorsement or recommendation of the Financial Resource Center site.