Do your own detective work. Talk to homeowners this contractor has done work for in the past. Were they satisfied with the work? Was the work finished? Did the contractor keep to the agreed schedule? Did the contractor return phone calls?

2. Get two or three specific written bids

Different contractors can vary widely on pricing and level of detail even when bidding for the same job. Make sure and get several estimates on your project, especially if it’s a large project. As much as possible, make sure that you explain the job fully to each of the contractors to ensure each one bids on the same exact job so that you can compare the estimates ‘apple-to-apple’. 

3. Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid

The old saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. A large number of complaints filed against contractors are the result of homeowner taking the lowest bid and then being unhappy with the low quality of work. Even when the contractor promises to do the same job, be careful – often contractors will bid a job extremely aggressively in order to get it. When the work takes longer than originally planned, the contractor can feel ‘squeezed’ by the budget and try and cut corners.

4. Make sure your contractor is properly licensed

A license is not an endorsement of the quality of work. It provides some financial protection for you, the customer. You can verify any contractors licensing status on the internet at  http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

5. Make sure your contractor is properly insured

Ask your contractor for a copy of his proof of liability insurance, workmens comp insurance and bonding or the name and number of their insurance agent to call and verify proof of coverage.