A general contractor is the person who takes the drawings from the architect and builds the home. Most licensed contractors are competent, honest, hardworking, and financially responsible. That said, given the potentially large amounts of money you’ll give to your contractor, the risks are enormous. Do your homework and you can avoid the rare case of being a victim of an unscrupulous contractor.

How do you pick a stranger to build your home? When you’re looking for a contractor, consider the following sources:

• Ask friends and family for contractors who have worked on their homes.

• Ask your architect for referrals. She should know several wonderful contractors that she already has a relationship with.

• Contact the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB; http://www.nahb.org). The NAHB is known as “the voice of the housing industry,” and it’s a great source for contractor referrals.

• Contact the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI; http://www.nari.org).

• Go to GreenHomeGuide.com, an online directory that features listings of green professionals around the country and includes reviews by past clients.
  

• When you’ve gathered names of contractors who might be a good fit for your project, meet with each one and ask them the following questions:

• What do you want to accomplish in doing this project?
  

• What are your concerns about the project?
  

• What do you see as the challenges of this project?
  

• Have you done similar-size projects in the past?
  

• What green building features do you include in your work?
  

• Is my construction budget realistic?
  

• I am concerned about _____. How will you handle this issue?
  

WARNING: If a contractor you’re considering shows any of these warning signs, find someone else:

He doesn’t return your phone call after a second attempt.

He shows up late to your first meeting.

His job site is messy or disorganized.

He is not licensed or bonded.

He doesn’t carry insurance.

He has no business office address. (He might say, “I work out of my truck.”)

He has a history of liens against his past projects. (You can check with your local assessor’s office to find this information.)

He has unresolved complaints against him with your local Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB).

He doesn’t have any references, or the references he does offer are generic and not glowing about his work.

He likes to avoid paperwork.

He tries to talk you out of your green goals for the project.  ....read more