How to get along with your home improvement contractor

When you undertake a big home improvement project, you might end up spending more time with them than with the contractor than some of your close friends. So it pays to put a little time in making sure you get a long.

The most obvious way to ensure that is hiring the right contractor. Interview several contractors and check state licenses, as well as complaints filed against them.

And don't automatically take the lowest bid. You want to check references and be sure your chosen contractor provides quality work to prevent problems during the process. Saving every penny won't matter much when the roof leaks, the dust isn't settling, and your contractor hasn't absconded with your money.

Do you get along personally with the contractor? After all, these people are going to be using your bathroom and seeing your makeup run at the end of a long work day -- you want to like them.

Hammer out details in advance. Have an iron-clad contract, and if problems arise, don't wait to work them out. If you don't like the way the workers are tracking mud on your new carpet or feeding your dog cheese puffs on lunch break, speak to your contractor about it directly. Give him an opportunity to correct problems before they become serious.

Pay on schedule. Not paying your contractor on time is likely to irk him -- you don't want that. Stick to your agreements and he's much more likely to stick to his.

If your contractor's workers are doing a good job, show your appreciation. Make them some hot sandwiches, or order some pizza. No shame in a little bribery. How likely is it that someone would feast on your culinary masterpieces, and then screw up your new roof?

Be reasonable. If you change the color of the bathroom tile 15 times, your contractor won't be pleased. Be sure OK with the noise, dust and inconvenience that go with any construction or remodel project. As much as you might like to believe it, your contractor cannot be held responsible if it rains for a week solid and they can't paint.

Insist on quality, but be realistic -- your place will likely get messy during the renovation. It may take longer, cost a little more, and be a lot more aggravating then you ever dreamed. Try not to take it out on your contractor.

Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at www.thebudgetdecorator.com and
www.TheGardenGlove.com.