Truthfully, improving your house is apt to make the whole neighborhood better, even if you only paint the outside of your house. That might entice buyers to other properties, you know, which could improve the economy where you live.

And actually, this may be one of the best times to renovate, if you need help for the job. Contractors and carpenters know things are in a slump, they know they cannot really afford to charge exorbitant prices — because we cannot really afford to pay them.

It may be easy to get contractors today to do the job but you have to know how to distinguish a contractor that means business:

Go for it!

Sign up for a contractor’s services when you have all the signs that it is safe to trust them with your money. Most likely he will do the job if you check the records and you will see a history of good reputation. You can check for their worthiness by asking friends or other services which may refer you to them.

If the contractor provides his physical address, it is a good sign that he will never disappear in the middle of the project. A local community contractor may be a good choice and may save you some a lot of money.

A good contractor will also be able to present a long list of good references if you ask them for one.

Think Twice or Look for Another Contractor

Common sense may be your best basis if you need to look for another contractor.

If a contractor will ask you to apply for the permit yourself or maybe decide to skip the procedure, then you may raise your brows to ask him to leave.

Preference to cash payments may also be a bad indicator. Some tax magic can be done if you pay on a cash basis.

Ask for a cell number, if he declines to give his cellphone number, then he might not be too serious dealing with you. A tradesman will always answer his direct line to win more business.

Check for eye contact and trust your gut feel when looking for someone to help you fix your home.