You should have the contractor come out to your home and give you an estimate. The estimate will cover the cost of any materials and labor involved with the installation. The contractor should also be able to provide you with a rough time estimate. Getting a time estimate ahead of time could save you from having a project go on and on.

Only hire contractors who are willing to put things in writing. The estimate is a good example of something that should be put into writing. However, the contractor should also be willing to sign a basic contract with you. You can make it clear that the contract is not a legally binding document if the contractor wishes. The point of the contract is simply to lay out every aspect of the work and your payment for the work. This way, no one will be confused and everyone will be on the same page.

You should always ask for references from any contractor you consider doing business with. If the contractor doesn't have any references available, then you should search for online reviews of the contractor and his or her services. These reviews will tell you a lot about how professional and skilled the contractor is.