You might be planning to put a new roof on your home in 2017. Or you might be debating whether to add another bathroom or remodel your kitchen in the new year.

Deciding which project you wish to do most is one thing. It's a personal choice, based on preference and comfort, and also which one makes the most long-term financial sense.

If you're like many Las Vegas homeowners on the cusp of making a home improvement, this process is relatively simple compared to confronting three other challenges: how to select the right contractor, staying on budget and ensuring that the right materials go into your home improvement project.

Let the most trusted roofing company in Las Vegas, First Quality Roofing & Insulation, guide the way through this decision-making triumvirate:

Home improvement challenge No. 1: Selecting the right contractor. Many people begin their search online, which is a fine adjunct but no substitute for asking friends, family members and coworkers for referrals first.

Face the challenge by: conducting some preliminary research by reading the contractors' respective websites. You will be surprised at just how much information you will glean from this exploratory step. Look especially hard at how the contractor communicates with clients. Is he helpful and through? Does he adopt an authoritative yet friendly tone? Does he seem to take pride in educating people about what he does? These are the hallmarks of a first-rate contractor you want working on your home improvement project.

Home improvement challenge No. 2: Staying on budget. Realistically, this means planning for a 10 percent overage – for those unexpected expenses or add-ons that you simply cannot resist to include as your home improvement proceeds. If you don't spend the money set aside in this contingency fund, you'll be ahead. But most people do.

Face the challenge by: A diligent contractor who has made a good name for himself in your community will respect your budget. You can help matters by:

• Resisting the urge to always endorse the cheapest option. Remember that especially with home improvements, you truly do get what you pay for.
• Breaking down the project and itemizing the costs.
• Realizing that you can make some upgrades later, when you are in a better financial position to do so. Ask your contractor up-front what these upgrades are to relieve any pressure you might feel to do them all at once.

Home improvement challenge No. 3: Ensuring that the right materials go into your home improvement project

Face the challenge by: asking your contractor to explain, in detail, the difference between various building products. You should do more than “ooh” and “aah” over printed brochures and website pictures. Ask for product samples and inspect them carefully. Then learn about the projected lifespan of the materials you choose and how to maintain them to preserve your investment.

If you've gotten the idea that you'll set your home improvement project on a successful track by selecting the right contractor, you've gotten the right idea. Call First Quality if your project involves a roof repair or replacement. Our name reflects just how much we value quality home improvement projects.