4. Contact you local building authorities and determine whether any permits are going to be required or if any inspections will be necessary during or after the completion of work. In the event the contractor asks you to obtain the license yourself, be suspicious. This could mean that the firm doesn’t have a proper license to do the work.

5. Make sure the contractor you hire has proper insurance. This may include worker's comp. insurance, property damage and private liability insurance. It's also advisable to speak to your own homeowner's insurance firm and enquire if you are covered for any damage or injuries that might occur while the job is being performed.

6. Don't sign your final release or create a final payment unless you are completely satisfied with the task that is done. Ensure all subcontractors are paid. If subcontractors haven’t been properly paid some might have the right to put a lien against your premises until they are.

7. Make sure you get yourself a written contract to do the job, and that this agreement specifies what materials be procured to do the job, the quality of those materials, the job schedule including completion date, if subcontractors are going to be used and who they are, as well as the total price. Also include a schedule of payments due if that is applicable.

8. Pay by bank card if you possibly can. You might be able to void payments through your charge card company in the event that becomes necessary for some reason.

Additionally, there are some red flags which should cause you to be concerned:

When the contractor uses an unmarked van.

If your contractor's vehicle has out-of-state license plates.

If your contractor approaches you door-to-door.

In the event the contractor wants payment entirely up-front.

If your contractor is only able to be reached by leaving messages with an answering service.

In the event the contractor just happens to have materials left from a previous job.

If the contractor offers a low-ball price.

When the contractor pressures you on an immediate decision.

Try this advice and your do-it-yourself project will probably be a big success.