Tips for Hiring

First and foremost : HIRE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR , and ask to see their SOUTH CAROLINA residential builders license.
Here's the link to check and see if your contractor is licensed:
http://verify.llronline.com/LicLookup/Resbu/Resbu.aspx?div=46
Select Residential Builders then hit select and type in appropriate name or business name.  

DO NOT hire a contractor with a Specialty license, this is a license that anybody can get for $20.00 and do work in only 3 areas of work category ie. electrical, plumbing,and roofing for example. Each of these classifications limits there work to only and up to $200.00/area, then they have to get a bond for $15,000.00 if the job is over $200.00. REMEMBER, YOU, as the home owner, YOU are responsible for who you get to do your job under these circumstances. This information is: for your benefit for you to get the right contractor to do your job and be protected under South Carolina Law, ignorance is no excuse and niether is trying to get the job done at a cheaper price from unlicensed so-called-contractors.

1.  Write a check-list for the project and prioritize it in order of importance.

2.  Figure out your budget and what you are willing to spend. Be prepared to discuss this with your contractor.

3.  Look in magazines, catalogues, etc., and save pictures of what you are looking for.

4.  Make yourself and your spouse available for the first meeting with your contractor and go over everything so there are no discrepancies—make sure that communication starts out on the right foot.  Dot all I's and cross all T's. Communication is a great help and makes the job run smoothly. Put everything down on paper (a contract) to  protect you as the home owner.

5.  If remodeling or doing an unfinished basement or bonus room, make sure everything is out of the area that will be worked in, so that workers can get the job done in a timely fashion without any safety issues.