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Never hire a contractor or repair person on the spot, whether it’s an emergency repair person who shows up after a major storm, or someone claiming to have surplus materials and offering a great price. Take your time to check repair people out to make sure they have a good reputation and do quality work.

Do not contract with repair people who come door-to-door claiming that they may have been hired by a neighbor. Check out their trucks, cars and equipment for local addresses and phone numbers. Note license plate numbers and states where license plates are from.

Get more than one estimate, in writing and on company letterhead/forms.

Check out any company with whom you think you would like to do business with the Colorado Secretary of State and the Better Business Bureau.

Verify that a contractor is licensed. Contact the Town Building Department to verify.

Never pay the full price for repair or contract work until the work is completed and you are satisfied. Experts recommend not paying more up front than $1000 or 10% of the job total, whichever is less. 

Use a contractor that is locally established and recommended by friends or family. 

Always ask for and check references.

Make sure everything you and the contractor agree on is written into the project description. Add any items that are missing, put your initials next to each addition, and have the contractor initial, too – all before you sign.