Do your due diligence before hiring a contractor

1. Beware Of Shady Contractors
Don't hire a contractor just because they seem honest, friendly and show you a
portfolio of work they said they did.
Do you due diligence.
Verify if they are who they say they are.
Check the Division of Corporations to see if they are licensed.
See their insurance and bond.
Ask for references.
Get a detailed contract/agreement spelling out everything they intend to do.
Do not pay cash, a legitimate business has a business account and credit card
accessibility.
If the price is to good to be true, it's probably going to be a poor job or use cheap
materials and taking shortcuts to get the job done.
Then if you are satisfied you may consider hiring them.
Don't get burned