Article: carefully.  If you know what you want done and can clearly explain it, you're less likely to misunderstand instructions or encounter cost overruns. several qualified registered contractors and solicit written bids. You can do this by typing ("your state" contractor lookup) into your favorite search engine. If possible, view the work, visit a site with work in progress and interview the homeowner.     Sometimes the reaction to the question is enough.
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Plan your project Interview Verify that the contractors you are considering are registered by looking them up online. Ask for references and then check them out. Ask for references of suppliers that the contractor works with and check out his or her payment record. Ask for a copy of the contractor's license and insurance policy to verify what is covered. Do an Internet search on the owner's name to look for general comments that might be posted. Evaluate all the aspects of the bids, including the scope of work, warranties, references, time frames and price. Ask the Contractor if they would be willing to submit to a back round check. Request that the contractor post a performance bond for the entire cost of the project if it is more than $6,000. Try to anticipate problems and inconveniences, such as cost overruns or cleanup, and come to an agreement with your contractor on how they will be handled before the work begins.