Home Content Mary Keenan 20th Jud. Consumers need to be thoroughly familiar with the reputation and work of any contractor hired. You should obtain references and then check them out by phone and by visiting jobs completed by the contractor. The terms and conditions of any project should be put in writing. Specifications regarding materials used, estimated costs, and the start and finish dates should be clearly spelled out.
Most reputable contractors are able to complete the job before accepting payment.
If a small contractor requires money up front, one option would be to buy the materials directly. We continue to have major problems with con artists posing as contractors who ask for money up front and then disappear.