Letting someone loose on your home with a range of power tools isn’t always a good idea if you know nothing about them. There are a few ways to ensure the contractor you choose it the right one for the job, we are going to discuss them here.

It is always advisable when getting quotes for work to obtain at least three prices, from three different companies. There are plenty of choices, just Google Naples remodeling or something. You’ll be amazed how they will vary. Don’t always go for the cheapest quote either. Try to strike a balance between price and workmanship. If the cheapest also appears to be the best then you’re onto a winner! Ensure the cost of any permits is included in the quote and that the contractor will take care of them for you. They can be a burdensome process that may confuse, baffle and annoy anyone but a contractor.

When screening contractors, ensure they are licensed to do the work and that they have adequate insurance. That should be workers compensation and liability, just in case. You can either check this yourself at the state licensing board, or ask the contractor to provide proof of insurance at the initial quote meeting. If they don’t have insurance, don’t use them. Any mishaps that may occur while they are on your property will be down to you to put right.

Check the contractors record. Any contractor worth working with will have a collection of testimonials, references and records of old work. If they don’t have this information on them, that should start the alarms ringing right away. Don’t just look at the portfolio though. Call a couple of the references, especially any commercial ones and discuss the workmanship and general worthiness of the contractor. If your potential project is a large and expensive one, ask one if you can see the work. This may seem laborious and not worth the effort, but anyone can take pictures, and write fake testimonials. Cutting corners here could cost you a lot of money.

It is a good sign if the contractor wants to put things in writing. Many don’t seem to bother, but although this may be a good, casual way to do business it leaves you open if things go wrong, or not the way you want them to. Having everything in writing protects both sides, so it is essential to get this done straight away.

It is often suggested to pay by check. Some contractors don’t like this and prefer cash. This isn’t a bad sign as some contractors will have negative experiences with bad checks so may insist on cash. However you pay them, never pay in full at the beginning of the job. Some up-front payment may be necessary to enable the contractor to purchase materials, but never pay in full. Arrange a staggered payment structure of half up front half on completion arrangement. This is the safest method for you as it should ensure the work gets done on time and on budget.