It’s your meet the contractor moment. And you are somewhat worried about what the contractor will think about your project, your ideas and you, though you should be concerned about the competency, integrity, and trustworthiness of the contractor.

Before you get to this point, you should have done as much research on potential contractors as possible. No time, you say? Perhaps, but you never want to be in a position where in hindsight you wonder; What was the rush? A bit or a lot of legwork in the pre-selection phase of your home renovation or remodel is worth evey effort you expend.

Ask your friends for references. How about your coworkers? At least one of your neighbours knows someone who has done something similar to what you are planning. Get their nominations for quality contractors.

The thing you are looking for, want and need, paradoxically can’t be given at this meeting. Trust is not a token that can be handed over merely by asking for it. Trust and integrity are travelers down the same road. Trust is something that built over time as result of numerous small transactions rooted in faith.

Does that mean the you have to put you faith out there and hand over your trust and future cash, blindly? There are clues worth watching out for in your intial interactions with this contractor. Luckily common sense and past experience in trust building will serve you well.

Bottom line is, does this contractor say and do things to show that he is looking out for your interests? You may think you are the only one being asked to extend your trust. The reputable contractor is a similiar situation.

- Frank Soellig