Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor Measures Up

Hire only licensed Contractors.
Check the contractor's license number by calling 1-800-321-CSLB or doing a License Check.
Get three references, and review past work.
Get at least three bids.
Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
Pay 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.
Don't let payments get ahead of work. Keep records of payments.
Don't make final payment until you're satisfied with the job.
Don't pay cash.
Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.