It does not matter whether you intend to hire a concrete worker, framer, steel worker, electrician, machinist, plumber, mason, painter or heavy equipment operator. In any case, you need to make sure you're going to hire someone who is going to do the job you need them to do and do it well. There are certain traits you need to look for and certain steps you need to take in order to protect your property from damage and yourself from endless frustration.

Check Their References

This may sound like a basic cliche, but far too often in the eagerness of the work to be done a person forgets to ask about this. If they don't have any references, this is fine. But don't pay anything in advance or put too much faith in someone who has either never pleased a customer or who has just started out. If they provide references, by all means check them out to be certain they're authentic and good. Ideally, a contractor should have ten great references if they have a year or more of experience. Each should be a glowing recommendation, and some contractors actually bring pictures of the work they've done.

Ask a Few Thoughtful Questions

A little bit of research can go a long way, and this research can teach you a great deal. A worker who is just trying to put one over on you will quickly crack if you show that you know a thing or two about the job to be completed. This can also be where you indicate what your intended budget is for materials. Sometimes there will be a few extra flourishes that will expand the costs of a project but that aren't really needed, and this is where you can potentially eliminate some unnecessary touches that would grow your costs but not your satisfaction.

Inquire How They'll Do the Job

You most likely have a good idea of what you want done, but you might not know how it will be accomplished. Often, the methods a contractor will use are surprising to a lay person. The best way to find out how your potential contractor would do your task is to simply ask for a run down on the methods they would use. If they can put what they will do into simple terms that are easy to understand, there's a good chance that their understanding is genuine. Beware of any contractor who tries to mislead or confuse you with fancy terminology.