Be sure to choose your contractor on value, not price.

With the economic downturn its understandable you'd expect contractors to lower their prices in response. There's more competition for fewer projects and homeowners are very hesitant to spend as they did in the past. While the contractor needs to competitively price your project to get the job, it has to be high enough so they don't end up compromising the quality of their work or their ability to stay in business. And you'll want to be sure they're around for the long term to take care of any warranty issues.

The builder and their subs are going to be in your home day today, and for many months. So give strong consideration to their personality, integrity, and work ethic, as well as your comfort level with them. Do you feel you can trust them? Do you feel they'll be able to communicate well with you and your architect, and be open-minded and sensitive to your needs?

Learn as much as you can about them. Be sure they have liability and workers comp insurance certificates. View their website and testimonials, and ask to speak to references. Visit a few projects so you can see the quality of their workmanship and ask their clients directed questions.

• How well have they kept the project on schedule and on budget?
• What were the processes for change orders and payment schedules?
• What is the nature of the contractor's relationship with their subs? In other words, do they hold their subs to the same high standards and stand behind the quality of their work?

You'll want to select a contractor familiar with the type of work you're asking them to do.

• Do they have specific experience and enthusiasm for working on older homes?
• Do they have an appreciation and respect for maintaining the details and character of the home?
• Are they able to integrate the building practices of today with the construction techniques of the past?

Choose a contractor that is aware of and understands sustainable building practices.

• Do they know how to reuse and recycle construction and demolition materials?
• Do they understand how to purchase, handle and install sustainable products and materials?
• Are they familiar with building materials and systems the architect may specify to achieve energy efficiencies?

We will help you with the process of choosing your contractor of course, but its good practice to have these basic questions in mind when you talk with potential builders.

Choose your contractor wisely, and consider that you do get what you pay for. If you look for value - and think of it as the enjoyable partnership that it can be, you'll be rewarded with real savings in time, energy, and money.