First and foremost, do your research. Ask friends, family and neighbours for the names of contractors they have used and would recommend. Search online and check the contractor’s ratings and reviews, including the BBB. Find out what year the company was established. Thirty years of experience doesn’t necessarily mean 30 years of operation. See if they have been successful enough to own an actual business establishment, as compared to simply working from home, which shows sound business policies and typically a greater chance of being around in the future. Make sure the contractor carries public liability, property damage and WSIB insurance. Get detailed written estimates, nothing vague and don’t rely on a handshake. Be careful with deposits, ideally avoiding them. Lastly, don’t rush your selection. You are going to live with the work for years and maybe even decades, so taking the time to select the right contractor will save a lot of frustration, time and possibly added expense later.