Top 5 ways to avoid being a home horror story - 02
Have a trusted professional for your home, like you have a family doctor
Do your due diligence if remodeling, building or repairing, just because you like someone and they are saying all the right things does not mean you shouldn't check their references, licensing, insurance and bonding.
Have things in writing the contract, the job specifics, the payment schedule. In California, never give anyone more than $1000.00 or 10% of total project whichever is less and make sure there is a final payment owing to be due upon final walk through after punch list.
Take out permits-check with your city to see if needed for your project. They are for everyone's protection and were created to assure an average standard for the work to be done and for your safety. They serve as a record and they serve as QA.
If a price is too good to be true it probably is...and don't change your mind these two items will help you to maintain a realistic budget and keep to your schedule.