Don't let a contractor force you to make a decision to hire
them until you have fully investigated them, but remember in the
wake of a disaster their services will be in high demand.
Don't hire a contractor that solicits your business.
Unsolicited phone calls, door knocks, or phone calls are
usually from unsavory repairmen and contractors.
Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder.
Don't pay a premium. Don't let someone who is offering to
"help," take advantage and charge you more than what is fair.
Don't pay in cash.
Scammers or Chuck-In-A-Truck fly-by-night contractors often ask
for cash because they know once you give it to them, it cannot be
traced.
Don't pay in full up front.
Typically, pay no more than 1/3rd up front.
Once you are satisfied with the contractor and feel you can
trust them, you can pay an additional 1/3rd, after they have
completed 1/3rd of the job.
Never pay the final 1/3rd (or pay in full) until the job is
done to your satisfaction.
Don't sign your insurance check over to a contractor.
Don't take the contractor's word that it is licensed/registered
to perform work in your city or that it is bonded, require them to
show you their paperwork and verify their insurance yourself.
Don't verbally agree to any increase in the cost of the work,
and if there is a reason to agree, then document the change in the
total amount in writing.