One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is putting themselves in a position where they feel they must hire the first contractor who returns their call when they have a home project.

Here is how it all starts: Mr. and Ms. Homeowner have called and left messages with ten different contractors and not one of them has had the courtesy to pick up the phone and call them back to say "Sorry, but I am too busy to help you at this time."

Finally, a contractor calls them back and is interested in their project. The homeowner is excited and the meeting with the contractor goes well. He gives them an estimate. It seems expensive but at least the contractor returned the call and seems like a good person. Not wanting to delay the project any longer, the homeowners sign a contract, hand over a deposit, and are told that work will begin soon.

Becoming "Desperate Homeowners" has taken over the minds of these good people...and that is asking for trouble! They are now at the mercy of the contractor who they hope will show up and do a good job.

What did they do wrong? Lots-here is a small sampling.

(1) They only got one estimate-tough to compare prices and contractors!
(2) They never asked for or received an

y references-is this contractor as good as he says he is?
(3) They signed a contract they hope was legal and will protect them-why didn't the contractor give us a copy?
(4) They never screened the contractor-he seems like a good person!
(5) They never got a date in writing when the project would start-soon is better than nothing-right?
(6) They received no proof of insurance or licenses-he must have insurance and a license...why would he/she take a chance-right?

Believe me, it is not the contractor that is taking a chance. This all came about because the homeowner did not properly PLAN their project. They became desperate and, most importantly, lost their PATIENCE. Unfortunately, this happens all the time.

Planning, patience and getting to know any contractor that you are considering to hire will help keep you out of trouble-try it!

Paul Lawrence has owned and operated Home Project Partners, a free Maine-based contractor referral service, since 2002. He helps bring homeowners together with reliable, quality-conscious, pre-screened home contractors skilled in numerous trades.

For more information contact Paul at projekpartner@yahoo.com or visit online at http://www.HomeProjectPartners.com