First you should do some research and make sure that the contractors you are looking at have no complaints against them. You can do this by contacting the better business bureau or researching the news in the area. If the contractor has had a lot of complaints it will be in the papers. Ask how long they have been in their particular field. You should look at contractors who have been in business more then 3 years. Some contractors will change their name if they have too many complaints.

Ask if they are licensed, bonded and insured they can send you proof if asked. This will insure that you are not responsible for accidents that may happen during your remodel. It also helps in insuring that the work is done properly. If the work is not done correctly the contractor can lose their license. The contractor should carry all responsibility for his workers if he has any other then himself and the work that is done. Most states have strict standards for bonding, insuring and licensing. Also if you ever sell the home and you have not used a licensed contractor you may be liable for damages years after you sell it.

Ask the particular contractor for references of other customers they have had. Talk to these people to make sure you are getting what you want. Did the contractor do the work in a timely manner? Were they professional? Did they stay on budget or go over? Did they have any problems after the work was completed? Asking all these questions will give you a good idea of how well the contractors work is, how professional they are, and how their work will hold up. These questions will also help you decide if you want them to work on remodeling your home. The contractors should stay within the time frame they bid for you. They should arrive in time to work and treat the other areas of your home that are not being remodeled with care.

You will also want to know how many other jobs they will be doing along with yours. If they have more then a handful will they be able to carry out their obligation to your home remodeling project? You may not want a contractor who has no jobs going but you don't want one that has too many.

Ask if they have employees that will help them with your remodel. You will need to know how he hires his employees since they will be coming in and out of your house. You should ask if he insures all of his workers or do they have their own insurance? If an accident happens on the remodel site who is responsible? If you have any problems with one of his workers who do you contact? Since this is a remodel and you are most likely still living in the house it is best to ask many questions for both your safety and the workers.

The contractors should be open to answering any of these questions. If you feel they are being less then truthful or ignoring some of your questions do not hire them. If they ask for the full payment up front do not hire them. Asking these key things of your contractor will help insure a positive experience during your remodel. At the end of this remodel you will have to be the one to look at the work so you want it done the way you like.