Good Communication.  If you can talk with each other, you can work out any details that come up later. 

• When you leave a message, does he return your call?
• Does he return a page promptly?
• Does he listen to you?

Nothing is more important than feeling like your contractor understands your needs and concerns.  If your contractor is so busy that he can't return calls or pages promptly, maybe it's time to look for a new contractor.  When you're in a discussion, does the contractor really listen to you?  I mean really listen?.   This is vital.  You should always feel like the both of you are on the same page.  This can avoid miscommunication and costly errors.  This is a very important "secret" to a successful and enjoyable remodeling experience.   Choose someone who will listen to you.

Comfort.  If you feel comfortable with your contractor, the chances are good your project will run smoothly.  Think about it.  You've just invited a stranger into your home.  Do you find this person nice?   Considerate?  Personable?  A listener?  Was he polite and courteous?   Or did he make you feel that he wasn't interested?  You will be working with this person for a matter of days, weeks, or months depending upon the project you need completed.  Can you stand to have this person around? 

Trustworthy.  If you feel your contractor is trustworthy, the likelihood of a successful project is good.  Check his references.  Keep in mind that if your project will entail entrance into your home and you won't be home during the day, the keys to your castle will be given to your contractor.  Can you trust him?   Listen to your conscience.

Completion.  Will your contractor give you a reasonable estimate for how long the project will take to complete?  A good contractor will do this.   Remember, you want to hire a good contractor, not get a new roommate!  Nothing is more frustrating and irritating than a remodel job that drags on and on but you do want him to take the necessary time to do the job right. 

Written Proposal.  I can't tell you how many contractors I've seen look at rather complex jobs, pick a price out of thin air, scribble the figure only on the back of their business card, and give the card to the homeowner.  Show contractors that do this to the door!  You want a detailed written proposal that shows what is included:  exact materials, brand names where important, costs, and the payment schedule.

Details.  Work out the little details before work begins.   Talk about things like:

• Where will the dumpster go, or the debris pile be created?
• What time will construction begin in the morning?
• What time will construction end in the evening?
• Will work take place on weekends?
• Will workman refrain from smoking inside the house?

Flexibility.  Remodeling is an interruption to your normal lifestyle.  If your project involves the kitchen, plan on eating a few extra meals out with the kids (or better yet, send the kids to "Mom" and go out alone).   Remodeling time may not be the best time to host a slumber party for your eight-year old-daughter.

Appearance.  If your contractor has a neat appearance, this is a very good sign of things to come.  This may sound silly, but it's not.  He doesn't have to show up in a coat and tie, but neatness does count.  Is he clean?   Is his truck presentable or falling apart?  If his appearance is neat, chances are good he will keep your job and your home neat.

Down payment.  If the contractor asks for a big chunk of money up front, this could be a tip-off that they are not in good financial shape and you could be in for a rocky experience.  A fair down payment should not exceed one third, unless custom ordered items are needed in the beginning stage of construction.  As the work progresses, you should expect to pay out additional funds to match the prescribed, completed stages.

Change orders.  With remodeling, there is always the chance that you may want or need to change a material or contract item.  Ask how these are handled.  They should be written on a separate document showing in detail what is being changed and how much it will cost.  This should be done before the change is affected and signed by both the contractor and homeowner.