The most important thing homeowners can do prior to hiring a contractor is to educate themselves.  This is much easier than it may seem, as the state in which you live often provides access to information about the contractors you are considering.  The top five mistakes consumers make when undertaking a construction project are as follows:

1. Not checking the contractor’s license.
2. No written contract.
3. Automatically accepting the lowest bid.
4. Not checking references.
5. Not doing the homework

In some states homeowners lose the ability to recover damages if they use an unlicensed contractor.  Legitimate contractors will not mind your checking up on them.  So protect yourself and your investment by taking the time to do your homework.

Following is the link to the State of Oregon’s Construction Contractors board.  On the left menu, click “Consumer Help.”

www.oregon.gov/CCB/

Use the following link for the State of Utah’s Consumer Protection website.  Once there, click on “Consumer Info” tab.  In the drop down menu, click “Home Improvement.”

www.consumerprotection.utah.gov