Get references. Do not be afraid to ask for references from past clients. Just like anyone else who does work for you, you want to insure that this is someone who is reliable. Ask past clients how timely the contractor was. Feel free to check out the Better Business Bureau in your area for any complaints. Do not take your contractor's word alone that the schedule you discussed will be adhered to. Do your homework and then understand though that the more complicated the remodel the more subcontractors that will be involved and the more chances there are for something to be delayed.
 Get it in writing. While a written schedule still does not insure your remodel will finish on time it helps to act as a reference point for both contractor and homeowner. By getting it in writing you can both at least have something to work from and reference back to should the work get wildly off schedule. In addition by getting it in writing you do have a record of the intention of the contractor should serious action need to be taken down the road.
 Have reasonable expectations. While you would like to think that your project is the only one your contractor is doing or should care about the most this is simply not reality. In order to keep themselves and their crews constantly working contractors must schedule several jobs at once. While you would like your project finished in the least amount of time be sure to factor in materials delay, subcontractor delays, weather factors and the fact that everything seems to take longer than you think!
 Be hands on. If your project is something other than your primary residence realize that you will need to check on things periodically. Do not assume because you are not there that everything is going o.k. Check on the progress of your project periodically it will help your contractor realize that you want to know what is going on and why things are going slower than they promised. If you are remodeling your home and have to go to work everyday feel free to show up back at home unannounced. This also lets your contractor know that you are aware of the progress of the work being done or not done.
 Maintain a good relationship with your contractor. This can be done by communicating with your contractor on what is going on and when. And be sure to let the contractor know your fears before you start so he can address them. It also can be helpful to ask that the contractor not start the project until he can commit to working continuously through to the end. If possible try to schedule the payments with an incentive for the contractor to finish as close to the decided schedule as possible. And finally just realize that your contractor is human if you think of your contractor as being on your side, and he most likely will act like it.