Licensed contractors are required by law to provide a written contract for residential work, signed by both parties. Don't rely on verbal agreements. Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing. Limit your down payment or deposit.
Limit your down payment or deposit. A good rule of thumb is an initial deposit of no more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less. Unless the job requires custom-made items or special orders, in which case an initial down payment should be no more than 30% of the total value of the contract.