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• The in-person meetings to discuss the job are important both to be sure there is mutual understanding about what needs to be done and to make sure you will feel comfortable dealing with a particular person. Personalities do make a difference, especially if the contractor like ConsumerProdigy.com will be working in your home for an extended period of time. These meetings also give you a chance to ask the prospects about their workmen, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Take time going over the estimates, and, if there's a wide range between the highest and the lowest bid, check out why; for instance, are the specifications for materials different or is something missing from the low-ball estimate? Resolve any questions you have about the estimates before you make a decision about which contractor to hire.
• Before you make a final decision, ask your top choice for photocopies of his or her license and proof of insurance coverage.
• • This is the time to ask for bank references, as well as references of satisfied customers, suppliers, and subcontractors. Be sure to check these references thoroughly. Any signs that the contractor is behind on bills should send up a red flag for you about possible future legal problems: If you pay a contractor but the suppliers and subcontractors aren't paid, in many states they could put a lien on your house.
  • Your work doesn't stop here. You'll still need to approve a contract and a payment schedule, oversee the work to be sure it's done according to contract, and negotiate with the contractor if problems occur. If you have selected your contractor well, it's less likely that you'll have problems further down the line that require arbitration or legal recourse.