Many consumers are uncertain about how to find and hire a contractor. The good news is that you don't need to be an expert in construction to do this successfully. What you do need is a general understanding of how the contracting business works and how to manage the hiring process. You also need to understand that your working relationship with a contractor will have considerable influence on your overall satisfaction. Good working relationships are a key factor in successful projects.

Please note that the information presented here is quite general and that every situation is different, so use it as a guide only.

In general, the process of hiring a contractor involves seven steps.