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Step 1
Try to narrow down the expertise needed on your project. For example, to replace a leaky roof, you would require a roofing contractor; for a custom kitchen, look for a finish carpenter or one who specializes in custom cabinetry.
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Step 2
Search for contractors. Do this by using the phone book, talking with people who have had work similar to your project done, going on the Internet and speaking with people at your local hardware or big box building supply store. Generate a list.
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Step 3
Call the contractors on your list and ask each to give you an estimate on the cost of your project. Listen carefully to what the contractor says and be certain to ask questions. How the contractor responds to your questions can be a good indication of your future relationship with him or her. Some questions to ask are: how familiar the contractor is with the work required on the project, and how long, approximately, the project might take to complete. Make certain that the contractor is licensed and insured, and has been in business for a number of years.
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Step 4
Ask for references from each contractor that responded well to your questions, as well as a list of past projects. Call each of the references and visit as many of the past projects as you can. This will give you not only an idea of how the contractor was to work with, but the quality of his past projects also. The cleanliness of the job site, especially early in the morning or at the end of the day, can give you a good indication of the contractor's professionalism and awareness of safety on the job site. Some questions to ask the people for whom the contractor has worked in the past are: whether the people were happy with the quality of the contractor's work, and whether the completed project came within the cost expectations. The final question is perhaps the most important: whether the people would recommend the contractor you are considering.
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Step 5
Make your decision.
