Choosing a Builder It’s likely that your here because you are considering a project and are seeking a builder to help you bring your ideas to reality. In many ways this is the most important part of the process.  Investing time and making a wise decision here will pay dividends throughout the course of the work and beyond. It is important to select a builder that aligns their priorities with yours. How to hire a contractor, is probably the most often question I am asked when I speak.  Here are 7 things that you can do to help you select a builder that will meet or exceed your expectations. 1) Work with a design professional. This helps bring some 3rd party accountability as well as experience in the local market. A good architect will know the good builders and vice versa. 2) Consider talking to more than one contractor.  Both may be equally capable but you might relate better to one over the other. 3) Make a preliminary decision and zero in on one candidate 4)  Get at least (3) references and call all of them 5)  See at least (1) project hopefully similar in scope to yours. 6)  And new for 2009, request a financial reference.  The contractor will be required to responsibly manage your payments.  Many contractors are great builders, but sloppy business people.  Check with your own accountant, banker, insurance agent or attorney to make sure they have no reason to disqualify your candidate. 7)  Assuming no red flags, engage your candidate with a professional contract. Roarke Custom Builders, Inc • 461 Elliot Road • East Greenbush • New York • 12061 phone: 518-689-0066 • fax: 518-689-0067 • email: info@roarkecustombuilders.com