Whether you want a roof replacement, an additional room, or simply some kitchen remodeling, when you are considering hiring a contractor to take on an improvement project on your home you need to consider your choice carefully. Some contractors may cost a little more than others but a competent and highly experienced contractor will be worth every dime, whereas some of the cheaper less knowledgeable ones can be a total waste of money.

A decent contractor will probably have started as a skilled workman of some kind, a carpenter, plumber or electrician, so they will have hands on experience. They will have worked hard over a number of years to acquire a set of useful skills including business acumen. They will have basic accounting and finance skills and will be able to bid accurately. They will be able to manage subcontractors and workmen firmly but fairly and should have good judgment in hiring their workforce.

You've probably already asked friends and family for recommendations with no success, so the following common sense guidelines will help you to choose your own contractor.

1. Don't be afraid to ask for references. A good contractor will be happy to provide the details of former clients, whilst one that is defensive when you ask for references can be ruled out from the start.

2. Ask questions about their previous projects. Be specific about the budget, and whether it was met, as well as the size and complexity of the task. There is a big difference between overseeing the building of a completely new room, and fitting a few new kitchen cabinets. Again, a good contractor will be happy to provide this information. Interview them as you would any employee but remember to treat them as the skilled professional they are.

3. Ask for the contractor's license number and use it to check the Better Business Bureau and similar local business groups. Check with state agencies that there are no complaints or actions pending, but do bear in mind that some clients are dishonest and it is not always the contractor at fault. You are not required to employ a licensed contractor but you will have more chance of getting compensation should things go wrong.

4. The hardest factor to judge is character. Look for straightforward, open answers to your questions. Be wary of a contractor that give excuses for why previous projects have been less than successful and blames his workers. An honest, competent contractor will take responsibility for the overall success of the project and the outcome.