How do you pick the right home remodel contractor?  You can read online reviews, review their past projects, possibly even speak with past customers.  While these methods have merit, many still fear the nightmare of unfinished jobs and unreasonable escalation of project costs.  Why is this?  Online reviews and spoken promises do not guarantee honesty and customer care from a contractor.  You have no doubt read horror stories all over the internet.  If there are no guarantees, what is a homeowner to do?

The answer depends on what your goals are.  If finding the lowest price is your only concern, I would suggest you reconsider why you are looking to renovate your home.  If you are having the work done begrudgingly just to make your home functional for your current living situation, I would suggest your first call be to a realtor and find out what options are available on the market. 
You might find that moving will give you more for your money, or you may learn that current home renovation prices are not as inflated as they may seem. 

Are you looking for relief from a congested space?  Do you have minimum requirements but a tight budget?  Does your home affect your overall contentment and happiness? Perhaps your kitchen causes you anxiety?  In any case, the first meeting with a contractor should be to establish reasonable goals within your budget.  Sometimes this means realizing that your desired renovations are not possible at this time.  You might find that there are acceptable alternatives that will help you realize your goals within your budget.  If you do have the budget to achieve your goals without compromise, a good contractor will not be dismissive of your ideas.

How do you pick the right contractor?  I can’t say for sure.  If they are not helpful and attentive to your wants and needs, I would suggest you move on.  It should feel like they will be your partner on your project.  They should not be annoyed by your questions.  They should have a reputation of sticking with projects to completion.  They should not sound like a high-pressure salesman.  They should be enthusiastic about your ideas but not blindly ignoring all of the issues related to these.  In short, they should sound like they would spend your money as if it were their own.  I believe it is too difficult to consistently feign genuine concern for others, so I think it’s possible to find a good contractor.  All I can say for sure is that if it doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and keep looking.