• Years of Service
  1. You want to know that they are going to be there, if you need to call them back
     1. It also means that they have a reputable company because they have stayed in business for an extended period of time
  2. Established presence in the community
  3. Maintains permanent mailing address and phone number

• Insured
  1. Insurance is always important to know that everyone is covered, if something were to go wrong

• Comfort
  1. Are you comfortable with the conversations you had with the contractor?
  2. Did the contractor put you at ease?
  3. Are you comfortable with their prices?
  4. Are you comfortable with their website or references from former customers?

• Were you heard?
  1. When you talked with the contractor, did you feel that they heard you and understood your needs?

• Competency
  1. Is the contractor competent to do this job?
  2. Have they completed jobs like yours in the past and how many?

• Word of mouth
  1. Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors to see if they can recommend anyone
  2. You want a contractor that is trustworthy and has a good reputation

• References
  1. Is the contractor willing to give you the names and numbers of former clients for you to call?

• Transparency
  1. When the contractor give you the bid, are they detailed?
  2. Make sure there are no hidden costs

• Contract
  1. Make sure the contractor is willing to put their offer down in writing
  2. Lists specific tasks that will be completed
  3. Agreement should include an approximate timeline for the project
  4. Agreement should also include how payments will be dispersed

• Throw out the low ball bid
  1. This contractor is probably cutting corners
     1. Using lower quality materials
     2. Or hurting for business
  2. It’s better to spend more to ensure professional results