10 Tips for Making Sure your Contractor Measures Up...

Here are some guidelines to use when you begin searching for licensed contractors. By using them, and the other steps that follow, you could save yourself from financial risk and other future problems with unlicensed contractors.

1 Hire only licensed contractors.

2 Check a contractor's license number with your state's licensing or registrar board.

Find a list of state licensing boards at:
http://www.nationalcontractors.com/licensing/

3 Get at least three bids.

4 Get three references from each bidder and review past work in person.

5 Make sure all project expectations are in writing and only sign the contract if you completely understand the terms.

6 Confirm that the contractor has workers' compensation insurance for employees.

7 Never pay more than 10% down of $1,000, whichever is less. Don't pay in cash.

8 Don't let payments get ahead of the work.

9 Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project, including all payments.

10 Don't make the final payment until you're satisfied with the job.