Tips on Hiring a Contractor

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for homeowners seeking to hire a contractor for home improvement projects. It outlines critical steps including project preparation and planning, methods for identifying reputable contractors, and essential considerations during the contractor selection process, such as requesting detailed estimates, checking references, and verifying insurance. The guide emphasizes key contractual elements that should be included in any agreement exceeding $200, such as project scope, materials specifications, payment schedules, and warranty information. It also provides advice on managing project payments, advising homeowners to withhold final payment until all inspections are satisfactory and contract terms are fulfilled. Additionally, the document offers important warnings regarding common contractor scams and stresses the homeowner's responsibility to ensure inspections occur. Contact information for consumer affairs offices is provided for assistance with contractor complaints.