Here are some tips to help you find the best contractor for your needs:

Research and recommendations:

• Ask friends, family, and neighbors for contractor recommendations.
• Check online reviews and ratings on websites like Angie’s List, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
• Consult with local senior centers or aging-in-place organizations for referrals.

Specialization and certification:

• Look for contractors who specialize in aging-in-place or universal design.
• Verify if the contractor has a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation from the National Association of Home Builders.

Experience and portfolio:

• Ask the contractor about their experience with aging-in-place projects.
• Request to see a portfolio of their completed projects, including before-and-after photos.
• Request references from previous clients and contact them to inquire about their experiences.

Licensing and insurance:

• Verify the contractor’s licensing and registration in your state or locality.
• Ensure the contractor has general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect you from potential liabilities.

Accessibility and future needs:

• Ensure the contractor understands the principles of universal design and can accommodate your current and future accessibility needs.
• Discuss potential modifications to address changing needs over time, such as adaptable layouts or fixtures.

Written estimates and contracts:

• Require a detailed written estimate describing the scope of work, materials, and costs.
• Ensure the contract includes a clear scope of work, timeline, payment terms, and warranty information.
• Review the contract carefully before signing and consider having an attorney review it if necessary.

Communication and professionalism (Very Important):

• Assess the contractor’s communication skills and responsiveness to your questions and concerns. Does he look you in the eye?
• Observe their professionalism, punctuality, and willingness to address your specific needs. Too many people have horror stories of contractors who start the job and then disappear or fall behind schedule. Discuss why this will not happen in your case.
• Money talks. Require that the contract details payment upon the completion of certain benchmarks as written in the contract… and not a moment before. As an old cowboy once said to me, “If a man won’t put his Word in writing, it ain’t worth writing down.”

As long as you have a complete understanding of the work to be done and a mutual interest in the project’s completion you and your contractor can be a good team.