1. Be cautious: Don’t do business with someone who comes to your door without an appointment. Be especially wary if the contractor drives a vehicle with no company name and phone number or with out-of-state license plates.
2. Do your research: Before working with a contractor, research the company. Check out its rating and complaint history with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org).
3. Ask around: Ask neighbors, friends, relatives, or local consumer advocates for recommendations of reliable contractors.
4. Explore your options: Get at least three written bids for the work you want done from three different contractors before choosing one.
5. Check the contractor’s background: When you’re ready to hire a contractor, ask for proof that the company is properly licensed and bonded (to protect you against theft and damage), that it carries liability insurance, and that it provides workers’ compensation insurance.
6. Get references: Ask the contractor for references from the company’s last three jobs—and check those references!
7. Get a contract: Demand a written contract that lists the specific work to be done, costs, materials to be used, start and completion dates, and warranty information on products and installation. Read the fine print carefully before signing it.
8. Be smart about payments: Do not pay more than 33 percent of the total job cost as a deposit. Hold off on your final payment until the job is finished and you are satisfied with the completed work.