There is more to a good deal than just low price, learn how to protect yourself. It is that time of the year where we start thinking more about taking care of our home and with the economy the way it is we want to get the best deal possible. All too often people look at price as the primary deal maker when choosing a contractor to do the job. This is not the best indicator that you have gotten a deal.

You need to do some homework before you make that final decision. I would like to share some tips that have helped me over the years to always come out on top.

Remember this saying "The excitement of low price is long forgotten once the quality of the job comes through". There are many companies out there who are looking for those customers who price shop everything. Now I am not saying don't get a second opinion but do your homework and check out the companies who are bidding your project. Here is what you need to know to protect yourself.

• Are they a licensed contractor?

• Check with the Arizona State Register of Contractors. Be sure the license is still active. Be sure they have Liability insurance, Workers Comp. insurance, and are bonded. This will protect you if someone gets hurt or cannot finish the project.

• Check how long they have been in business. Do they drug test and verify their employees.

• Ask what brand of products they will be using. If it is a painting project make sure you get the Mfg. name, the product name and the quality of that product. For example ask for 100% acrylic (the better product) verses the Vinyl acrylic.

• Ask if they will be priming the house. Industry standards says, one prime coat and one finish coat is better than two finish coats.

• Verify how they will apply the product and will they allow dry time between coats. Always make sure that you get everything in writing.

• Don't take a quote verbally or on the back of a card. To do business as a contractor in Arizona you have to have a license for any job that is over $1,100.00 in total.

• They also are required to tell you if they are unlicensed. If you chose to do business with an unlicensed contractor they many times ask for cash or the check to be made out to them, this allows them to cheat the system, it is illegal and it could hurt you in the long run. Who do you go to if you have problems, how do you force them to come back and fix a problem? The answer is you don't so you have to pay again to get the job done right. Low price loses again.