Here are a few pieces of advice I found on blog posts, other constructon sites, etc.. The articles were all much longer, these are just a few of the highlights.
The following is from mcclurebuilders.com
“The biggest reason for remodeling should be that the homeowner loves his or her location and percieves the home to have inherently high value.
Remodeling is often a more expensive proposition per square foot than building a new home because there are demolition, tie-in and structural considerations. Often problems are revealed during the remodel process that are critical and need to be fixed.
… Recovery costs are an important consideration if you intend to sell your home in the near future. Typically, according to national statistics, kitchen remodels represents an 88% recovery cost, two story additions 84%, and bathrooms 82% .
….
If you recently did costly but necessary home repairs ( replacing roofing, Heating / Air conditioning, etc. ) that is considered homeowner maintenance, and not something you should expect to recoup in the sale of your home.
If you get several bids, it makes sense that the lowest is probably not the one you would necessarily choose. If a contractor wants your business, he or she will bid competitively and fairly. The hardest part of this scenario is comparing “apples to apples”. A good way to do this is to draw up the project specifications yourself, and give each contractor a copy to base their bid on. Upon selection of a contractor, the project specifications should then become part of the contract, so no variance can occur.
FROM : hometips.com
Chemistry with your contractor is critical – this person may be in your midst for several months, and there may be times when you have to haggle about difficult issues. …
FROM: thisoldhouse.com
The best ones are worth waiting for. The best contractors tend to be the busiest ones. Build your schedule around the GC (General Contractor ) of your dreams, not vice versa.
…. ( If you talk to references, ask ) Did anything go wrong? And if so, how – and how quickly – was the crisis resolved?
FROM Another Article at thisoldhouse.com
GET Recommendations. Start with your friends and family … or pay a visit to your local lumberyard, which sees contractors regurlarly and knows which ones buy quality materials and pay their bills on time.
Meet face to face. A contractor should be able to answer your questions satisfactorily and in a manner that puts you at ease. … it’s crucial that you two communicate well because this person will be in your home for hours at a time.