Finding a contractor you work well with is much easier if you decide what is important to you.  Here are some factors to consider:

Qualifications

Make sure you get someone to do a quality job.  The best contractor is somebody who can complete the job as you have specified it, for the agreed price at the agreed time.         

How long in business

You want someone that has been working in the fireplace/chimney business for at least 5 years.  Ask how many times they have performed the type of work you are looking for.  

References

Talk directly to at least 3 recent (last 2 years) customers.  Make sure the customers had similar work done and ask to view one or two of the projects. 

Better Business Bureau

Make sure there is not a history of complaints or unresolved complaints for your contractor. Having one or two resolved complaints may be acceptable.

Price

You should have a clear budget for your project and make sure that the contractor can work within your budget. If a prospective contractor implies that you are not spending enough money on the project or that this will be a small project compared to his other projects, it may be an indicator that he will not take your job seriously. On the other hand, if most or all of the contractors you interview indicate that your budget is too low for the project, this is important feedback.

Payment Terms

It is best to hold back 20-50% of the total payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction and you should make sure the contractor will work with those terms.  

Timing

Make sure they can complete the work by the time you need it done.  If timing is important, build a financial performance incentive for finishing early and a penalty for finishing late.

Style

Make sure they build in the style that you want and like.  Ask each contractor how he communicates with his clients to insure they approve of the design. At what point will you get to review and sign off on plans? To what degree will he involve you in the selection of models, colors, materials and finishes?

Safety

The contractor and his staff are going to be around you and your family while operating dangerous equipment so make sure you feel comfortable with them.  Ask each contractor you interview if he has safety procedures he uses during the construction process. You may want to ask specifically about safety procedures to protect your family, and procedures to protect his workers.  Ask about safety testing for the completed project.

Cleanliness

Contractors vary in their level of cleanliness and organization. For jobs which take place inside your house, cleanliness and organization are important throughout the project. Will the project generate dust? If so, does the contractor plan to contain the dust or mask your house from the effects of the project? If cleanliness is important to you pick a contractor that takes it seriously.

Communications

Try their cell phone number several times at different times of the day and see if/how fast they call you back.  Hire someone that takes communications seriously if it is important to you.

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