Be proactive yourself and remember to do these five things:

Visit websites ( if available ) and learn as much about these tradespeople as you can;

Ask for ( & check ) any work references provided -- choosing only jobs completed recently or finished in the past six months;

Contact the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Dallas and get a quick and thorough background check -- either by going online to www.dallasbbb.org or phoning (214) 220-2000 or (800) 705-3994 / Toll-free;

Request in advance ( before start of work ) proof of insurance, licensing (where applicable) and other relevant information with a bearing on your job;

And for those large, costly or time-consuming jobs try to get at least two (three) estimates / bids to compare before you finally make a choice then make sure the contract you sign outlines all work being included, the total amount being charged and any progression payments which should be required based on work stages completed.