Entering into the home building or remodeling process can be like stepping into a whirlwind ? the flurry of activity can quickly send you reeling and wondering if you've made the right choice. Despite some of the stress that can accompany these processes, you should be assured you've made the right decision when it comes to selecting a general contractor.

Unfortunately, not all general contractors are as honest as they first appear to be. Recently in Broward County, Florida, police issued a press release announcing they were cracking down on unlicensed, unprofessional contractors. This came after hundreds of homeowners complained about substandard work and contractors who took their money but failed to do the work.

The growing epidemic of homeowners who feel general contractors have scammed them has received much media attention. Last year, ABC News reported remodeling scams from California to Connecticut with many unscrupulous contractors taking advantage of those desperately trying to rebuild their homes after Hurricane Katrina.

When considering hiring a general contractor, it's important to do your homework and thoroughly research your options. Your local homebuilder's association is an excellent source to find out information on local and established general contractors. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to verify information and discover if any previous complaints have been filed against the contractor. Also, ask the contractor for customer references and contact these customers to find out what type of work the contractor did as well as their opinion of the contractor.

What things should you look for when searching for a general contractor? One of the most important things you can do is determine if the contractor guarantees the project will be done on time and for the price quoted. There should never be any hidden costs when it comes to home building or remodeling. The homeowner should be aware of the costs prior to any work being done. And, if there are unforeseen items hidden at the time of estimation such as dry rot, poor framing, wiring or plumbing issues that arise, the contractor should bring these to your attention and present them in writing. A reputable contractor will be in constant communications with the homeowner to ensure customer satisfaction every step of the way.

There are numerous reputable contractors who deliver quality work on time and within budget. Finding the perfect contractor for your home may seem like a daunting task to some. But, in the long run, it can save you from making costly mistakes on your home investment.

Copyright (c) 2007 Shawn Bowman