Here's a list of the way I urge clients to scope out who's who in the contractor biz:

1. Word of mouth referral. Cannot be beaten, especially if two people recommend the same company.
2. Stay clear of contracting companies who employ "suits" as we call them. A "suit" is a well dressed guy, acting as a salesman who probably never swung a hammer or tightened a pipe or ran a wire in his life. He is a "hired gun" paid to make you feel compelled to sign an agreement, and cough up a deposit. He typically works on commission. If he doesn't actually do anything but hit the road and sell, think twice before moving forward. Guess who'll be footing his paycheck.



3. Never sign an agreement/contract without being certain what it says, and that it's "exactly" what you want and in great detail! Broad sweeping wording like, "Will remove and replace sink for four hundred dollars" is too vague. Good contractors write multi-page agreements, spelling out every detail and every nut and bolt. What make sink? What model, how mounted to the countertop? What kind of faucets, what about the under-sink trap and drain? Warranty? Labor and materials? For how long? Get the details.
4. There is a rule of law few understand. It is called the parol evidence rule. What it suggests is that whenever a written agreement exists, it shall trump and overturn every single word spoken, gesture made, note taken, comment and promise alluded to, etc. All details of any contract/agreement must be clear, detailed and precise. When and if things go bad, what was said is meaningless in court. What is within the four corners of the agreement/contract is everything! That's basically what the legal term, "the parol evidence" rule means in court. If it ain't in writing, it is generally unenforceable!