DIY Center: How to Hire the Right Contractor

• Have a plan or design with specifications.
• Verify name address and telephone numbers.
• Verify how long they have been in business.
• Verify license and insurance are current.
• Look at photos of like projects completed by contractor.
• Contractor must show interest in your project and display a positive attitude.
• Verify contractor uses top quality products designed for your applications.
• Verify contractor’s reputation (BBB, Chamber of Commerce, local suppliers, other contractors, past clients, etc.)
• Get a written contract that is clear, complete and firm, stating all materials, work to be done and amount to be paid with pay schedule.
• Never pay more than 50% up front and never give final payment until job is 100% complete and you are satisfied.
• Get a start date and a completion date.
• Make sure that everything you and your contractor have agreed to is in the contract.
• Make sure all prospective contractors are bidding the same job. (Having a plan helps to ensure this)
• If you find your favorite contractor has a poor credit history but excellent workmanship, you may purchase all materials yourself and contract labor only. (Give no money up front in this case.)