We’re in the build/repair/replace/remodel season. It’s also choose-a-contractor season. Who to trust? Of course, you’ll ask friends and neighbors, and you’ll read Yelp reviews (may be of questionable value). You finally call some to get estimates (of course, you’ll get at least three).
One more thing: How much do they want up-front? Here’s where you can do an integrity-check. Do they ask for more than the law allows? For example, in California, they can ask no more than 10% of the total estimate, or $1000, whichever is less. That’s the law.
There are two questions to ask yourself, then. One is, what’s the law in your state? The other is, how much can you trust someone who asks for more in advance? That is, if he’s breaking the law, how honest is he? — Something to think about.