Plan for success. Get three bids to gauge the going rate for work. But don't jump at the lowest bid; our surveys
have shown that people who hired the lowest bidder generally got poorer work.
Get an estimate. It should list product, material, and labor costs and a timetable. Material and product allowances
should give prices and quantities. Compare services and prices before making a final decision
Choose pros you know. Our surveys have indicated that people who hire contractors they had worked with before were
happier and had fewer time and cost overruns than those who hired someone new. While readers who hired pros recommended
by a friend or neighbor were more satisfied than those who hired strangers, they faced as many delays and extra costs.
Get references from recent and older jobs. Reputable contractors will be happy to provide names and contact information
for satisfied customers. Then check the work to see how it’s holding up.
Look for proper licensing and insurance. Make sure the contractor is licensed to do business in your state and
that he has proper general liability and workers-compensation insurance.
Obtain a contract. A written contract will specify what will be done to complete the job, associated costs, and
the payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces.
Pay by check. Write out the check to the contracting company rather than to an individual. A reasonable down
payment is 30 percent of the total project cost to be paid upon initial delivery of materials.
Make final payments only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not
threaten you or pressure you to sign documents if the job is not finished properly.
By: Steven H. Saltzman
