1.  Check references of previous work.  You might be surprised by what you
hear.

 2.  Get in your car and go view the previous work.  You might be surprised
by what you see.

 3.  Make sure your agreement is in writing and covers all important points. 
Establish deadlines and completion metrics.

 4.  If the project warrants it, you may want to get a real estate attorney
to help negotiate and write the agreement between you and the builder.  Paying
an attorney a few hundred or a few thousand dollars may help save money on the
back-end.

 5.  Ensure that all materials are paid for prior to them going on to your
property, if the builder does not pay for the, lets say the lumber, then the
supplier will likely put a lien on your property and demand payment.  Clearly,
you do not want to pay someone twice for the supplies.

 6.  Ensure that you know of any subcontracts that will be used and ensure
they are paid for their work.  Again, you do not want to pay someone twice for
the same thing.

 7.  Ensure payment terms are such that they require work to be performed in
order to receive payment.  Only hand over money that you are prepared to lose,
because you just might.  You want to have the builder to have an incentive to
work, not just take your money.  On the other hand, do not be so tight as to
appear that you are not going to pay.

 8.  As the customer, you need to pay on time and only make necessary
changes.  If you make changes, you need to get those changes in writing, signed
by both parties, and clarify whether there is any additional cost.

 9.  Take pictures or video of the before, during and after.

 10.  Keep all paperwork.  Demand receipts and a written change orders
be signed by both parties which detail any changes and the associated costs.

About the author: John Breakfield is an attorney with Breakfield & Dean,
LLC in Gainesville, Georgia and handles matters regarding litigation surrounding
contractors/ subcontractors and home/ property owners.   Our law office can
assist clients through out Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood,
Flowery Branch), White County (Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Gwinnett
County (Buford, Sugar Hill, Lawrenceville), Dawson County (Dawsonville),
Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), and all of Northeast Georgia.

This article should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice
since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes.
Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine
an appropriate legal course of action.