For starters, getting more than one estimate is key, in fact homeowners should get no less than three estimates.

Here are some reasons why.

1. Getting to know contractors
2. Making sure that one, some or all the contractors are giving good advice and good ideas.
3. Recognizing the contractor with the most experience, talent and knowhow.
4. Being able to tell which one of the contractors is the better listener. ( listening is very important when dealing with a contractor )
5. Finding out if the contractor does one or more projects a time.
6. Learning if the contractors sub the work to another contractor or installer.
7. Do these contractors have a licensed plumbers or electricians that they deal with on the regular bases.
8. Which of these contractors actually specialized in the what the homeowners wants to have done.
9. At the time of getting the estimates, which contractor showed up in time of the appointment. For a Homeowner having a contractor being punctual It's always a good indication that things will go smooth.
10. When is the contractor willing to start the project and how long is going to take.
11. Is the contractor licensed and insured.

Price, yes price is key when deciding which contractor will do the job. And, I am not going to write about weather the homeowner should pick the highest or lowest or the one in the middle. That is up to the homeowner.

But, what I am going to write about is; make sure to compare apples to apples, know the deference of what each contractor is doing and how, and what kind of materials are they offering.
At the end, I am sure that there are more things to keep in mind. But when all this is set and done, the very best way a homeowner should go about getting a good contractor is to contact family members and friends, and ask them if they know a reputable contractor. Someone who has done work for them before and satisfied all the agreements made.

Money doesn't come easy and no one wants to give to some contractors that the only thing that is know about them is what they have to say about them selves. So count on your personal network and take less of a chance with your hard earned money.