Solid surface countertops should only be installed by professionals with demonstrated experience. Most contractors will have references you can contact or images of previous completed work. These resources are an essential tool when you're trying to decide on a contractor. For these countertops, you need someone who has an impeccable mixture of experience and craftsmanship.

Get an estimate before any work starts. If possible, get estimates from more than one contractor. Having many estimates on hand will give you a little more freedom in price. It will also provide you with a little bargaining leverage with some of your contractors. If you want a certain contractor who is out of your price range, then you can potentially use the lower estimate to talk the more expensive contractor down a bit.

Draw out a very simple, non-binding contract between you and your contractor. The contract does not have to be a legal document as its purpose is not necessarily legal protection. The purpose of the contract is to lay out the responsibilities of both you and your contractor. The price of the job, the time-frame of the work, and the payment terms should all be described here very plainly.