The first task before hiring a contractor for home remodeling is laying out the details on what exactly you want done. This will ultimately save you time and money, as you will be able to choose the perfect contractor for your construction job, and get the job done correctly the first time. Personally, I have always found that writing out every detail initially will help you think of the task more clearly in your mind. This will also aid in your description of the job to the contractor, and will allow for a better estimate of time and cost, which are coincidentally the two most important things to consumers.

Sketches can also prove useful. You do not have to be an artist to amply describe your wants and needs via drawings. Just grab a ruler and a pencil, and draw out the area you want to do work on. If you have a scanner or copy machine, make a few copies of this so you can further draw on this base, and if you entirely mess up, just start over. Often times, I like to use different colors of ink for the construction procedures that I want accomplished. I use red for things I want removed, and green for things I want added. Blue ink I reserve for notes and arrows, of which there are sure plenty.

When drawing up your plans, make sure to include every thought you have, even if it seems unimportant at the moment. Remember, the ultimate goal here is complete communication between you and the contractor you're hiring. Put all of your thoughts on paper, and let your contractor decide what is and what is not important to your construction work. If you provide too much information, then you have succeeded.

One pitfall that home owners often make is that of assumption. The thought process goes something like this: "The contractor has probably done this type of work dozens of times, I'm sure he knows what I want." While this might be true 90% of the time, you do not want to be in the 10% of construction projects that go wrong. This can cost you thousands of dollars, and you will be right where you started, or worse.

Just follow the following steps to a successful construction project, and you will be totally satisfied with your contractor's work.

1. Decide the type of work you want done. Set a goal for this, and always keep the goal in mind.

2. Carefully plan out on paper how you wish to obtain this goal. Be sure to include every thought whether or not it seems necessary at the moment.

3. Start shopping for contractors. Explain every detail to them so they might provide an accurate estimate of time and cost. 4. Find at least two qualified contractors who can do the job within your budget and time frame.

5. Upon arrival, reconfirm your expectations of the project.

Follow these steps and it is almost certain you will be satisfied with your home construction project.

John is a general home improvement contractor who works with ServiceMagic, a construction job site with over 31,000 service professionals listed.