Before you select a builder, talk to several, says Aspen Enterprises President and owner Candy Peters. "Interview them as you would for a job, because you'll hire one them to do a job for you and you are the boss." Rate your contractor candidates by how well they communicate with you, how much trust they inspire, and how comfortable you feel with them. Then narrow the field to three.

Why three? "You don't want too few bids," Peters says, "or so many you're overwhelmed." The bids (and later, the contract) should include the particulars. "Just ‘doors' isn't enough. Are they oak? Are they flat or six-panel? If you don't have specific details, you don't really know what you are getting."

Copyright 2003 Rochester Area Builders, Inc. No part of the Builder's Corner articles may be reproduced or printed without written permission from Rochester Area Builders. 108 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Phone 507-282-7698.