Choose the Right Contractor for Your Home Additions

Adding on to your home is an economical way to give your family a little elbow room. If you've been delaying a home addition because you're overwhelmed by the scale of the job, a home additions contractor could be the answer.

Finding a Contractor
The best way to locate a contractor is by referral. If you can find somebody you trust who has used a home additions contractor in the past, you're way ahead of the game. Make sure you're comparing equal sized jobs, however; a contractor who's only installed decks may not be up to adding a second floor.

Another source for drywall contractor leads is your local lumberyard, hardware or home store. A smaller, local establishment is likely to have a set of regular customers (who are contractors) that they can recommend.

Your local real estate office may have a list of home addition contractors that they can recommend. A real estate agent will consider you a potential client; giving you good advice now may pay off in home listing later.

Several Internet resources provide contractor information and reviews, but try to find direct or local referrals first.

Considering A Contractor
The following are some questions you should consider when deciding on a home additions contractor.

• Will the contractor make an onsite visit? A contractor that won't take the time to look at your job is probably not worth your time. Consider another option if a home additions contractor insists on giving you a quote over the phone.
• Is the contractor licensed? Contact your local building inspector to find out what licensing or registrations a home additions contractor needs in your area. Make sure that you are considering properly licensed contractors.
• Is the contractor bonded and insured? Don't take his word for it; ask to see documentation that confirms liability and medical insurance.
• Will the contractor provide references? A reputable home additions contractor should be able to provide a list of references. Check the references provided and find out if the work started/ended on time, if the work was of good quality and if the contractor was actually present when the work was done.
• Are there complaints against the contractor? Check with the Better Business Bureau, the local Chamber of Commerce and any state licensing agencies.