How do I select a contractor?

A range of practical consumer tips are provided to you by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Before choosing a contractor, you should consider an interview and do it face-to-face. Dowdy claims that during the interview the consumers should ask the contractors the following questions:

• Will this particular project require a permit? Permits are usually required by most localities and states. Before starting work on your projects, a good contractor will already have a permit, or wouldn't be hesitant to get one. If the contractor that you are interviewing is hesitant to get the permit, and asks you to get it instead, you might want to be a little suspicious.
• Will subcontractors be used on this project? If so, ask your contractor for a meeting with them, in order to make sure that they are licensed and legal. Also, protect yourself by asking every subcontractor or supplier for a lien waiver or a lien release.
• How long has that contractor been in business? Keep in mind that if a contractor is hesitant to answer this question, that means that he probably wasn't good in business. A good contractor probably has a rich experience in business. Ask him if he has any complaints on his file, or just go to the company and look for you.
• How many projects like yours has the contractor completed last year? Make sure that the contractor that you want to work with is experienced and will be able to assist you properly.
• Does the contractor have a list of references from your contractor? The contractor should be able to provide you with the addresses, phone numbers and names of the last three clients who have projects like yours.
• What type of insurance does the contractor carry? Proper contractors should be able to maintain worker's compensation, property damage coverage and personal liability insurance.
• Is the contractor registered and licensed with the state? This is probably the most important question that you should ask your contractor. Make sure that this contractor is licensed and registered with your state. In order to have proof, ask for his license number and check the state's authorities in order to find out if the license is still in effect.