[thastings]

Pick a good firm, that is licensed and insured, to do the work. Ask for proof of ins. and workmans comp ins. You are responsible for the workers if the company does not have thew insurance. The up front estimate will be higher, but the final as-built cost will normally be less.

Nothing beats good upfront planning. The contractor should be able to see the plumbing needs and electrical needs for the estimate. Even if this requires you to expose some walls etc. during the estimate phase, its worth it.

The killers are when YOU decide to get different flooring, lighting, counter tops or cabinets AT you sign the contract. Make sure you know, and like, what the contractor is proposing to install before signing.

Retain payment of enough money to make it worth while for the contractor to return to the site to finish up the work. This means about 25-30% of the estimated cost. A $1,000 dollars is not enough. The contractor will spend more returning to the site then this, so why should he? When he is 40% complete, pay him 10%, etc. until final inspection and acceptance of the work by you.

If he wants up-front $ for material (most bigger firms are on accounts and have at least 30 days to pay) then agree to pay only HIS invoice price for it AFTER it is on site AND inspected by you. Some guys when told to they have to produce invoices, will have EVERY invoice for every job they are working at that time show your address.

Make sure you get in writing a time schedule with a 1% or $100 damage pentalty each day over the completion date, and a daily cleanup requirement.

Good luck
Terry Hastings