Unless you already know a contractor who will provide good quality workmanship at a fair price, or have a strong recommendation from someone you trust and has done their homework, you'll need to make a list of several contractors from whom to get estimates.

Because the chances are that you will eventually sign a contract with one of the firms on your list, it's important to be as careful and selective when you choose contractors to give you estimates as when you make the final choice of a firm to do your work. Whether your list of contractors comes from friends, the Yellow Pages, Google, or the clerk at your local hardware store, check them out carefully before you inquire about estimates.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Above all else,  never hire an unlicensed home improvement contractor.  In Maryland, it is illegal to act as a home improvement contractor or salesperson without a valid license.  Licenses are issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).  To verify a license, call MHIC at 410.230.6309 or check online at  Public Search .

Don't be afraid to ask questions!  We recommend that you get at least three (3) written estimates from licensed contractors.  To compare prices accurately, give contractors the same work description.  When you discuss your home improvement project with contractors, the following questions may help you get the information you need:

• Do you have a Maryland Home Improvement License? Can I see your license?  (Verify the information with MHIC.)
• Can I see your general liability insurance certificate?
• How long have you been in this business?
• Do you do this particular type of work? How long?
• Do you charge for an estimate?
• Do you use sub-contractors?  Are they licensed?
• Can you supply references from previous customers?
• Can you supply references from your suppliers?
• Who will be on-site?  How do I contact you if you are not on-site?
• What guarantees can you give me?  On labor? On materials?  Be sure to get warranties  in writing.
• Does your price include clean up and debris removal after the work is done?
• How do you handle contract disputes?

Get it in writing!  Maryland's Home Improvement Law requires that all contracts for home improvement work be in writing and signed by both the consumer and the business before work begins or any money is paid.

Contracts must:

• be in writing and legible;
• describe clearly each document that it includes; and
• be signed by both the contractor and consumer.

Above all else, never hire an unlicensed  home improvement contractor.  In Maryland, it is illegal to act as a home improvement contractor, subcontractor or salesperson without a valid license.  Licenses are issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).  To verify a license, call MHIC at 410.230.6309 or check online at  Public Search .

A contract must contain the following terms:

• the  name, address, telephone number, and  license number of the contractor and each salesperson who solicited/sold the contract;
• approximate  dates when the work will begin and when it will be substantially completed;
• description of the work to be completed (be as specific as possible);
• a list of the  materials to be used (include make and type if appropriate);
• the total  contract price to be paid;
• payment terms (including any finance charge);
• a description of any  collateral securing this obligation; and
• notice providing MHIC's telephone number and web page stating that each contractor and subcontractor must be licensed and a notice set by the Commission that:
  • specifies the protections available to consumers through the Commission; and
  • advises the consumer of the right to purchase a performance bond for additional protection against loss.

Maryland's Home Improvement Law also states the initial down payment or deposit can  not be more than 1/3 of the total price for the work to be done. YOU CAN NEGOTIATE A LOWER DOWN PAYMENT.

You can also work out a plan to make future payments at intervals as the work moves ahead, with the amount of each payment to be based on how much progress has been made on your job.  You should not make the final payment until the work is completed and you have checked it carefully to be sure you are satisfied.