How do you know you are picking the right contractor?

First hiring a contractor is an important decision as things can go very smooth or very bad in a moments notice. Is this contractor license? This is a must, if things go bad and an accident arises are you covered by your contractor on having insurance. 1 Million plus is a industry standard. Any company should be able to provide this in a moments notice! Is there reviews online or other places? Reviews are now so easily accessible and a good contractor will have a list of previous customers to call or email. Are they lining out the job on the specifics? A good contractor will give a detail list of work being performed, hand shakes with no black and white on paper means nothing. Has this contractor asked you for money upfront? Good contractor will not ask for money upfront but conartist do! Never give money until the job is complete and I mean totally complete or you may be left standing with an unfinished job and no money. Protect yourself and your investment.