You are about to make a very large investment into your property. Ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate contractor before signing an agreement to perform work on your home or property. Here are some things you should check out before choosing a contractor: 1. Have you SEEN a copy of their state of Michigan contractor's license? Illegitimate contractors will claim to be properly licensed, but you need to ask to physically see a copy of their Michigan's Contractor's License. Getting a contractor's license in Michigan is no easy task, involving a credit check, strictly proctored exam as well as adherence to a code of conduct. You may check on the validity and any complaints filed against a contractor's license in Michigan by calling the Residential Builders and Maintenace & Alteration Contractors board at (517)241-9254 * We give you a copy of our license at contract signing for your records. 2. Have you SEEN a copy of the contractor's insurance certificate? Many illegitimate contractors will tell you they have Liability and Workman's Compensation insurance. But, to protect yourself against loss or lawsuit, should someone get injured on your property, you need to ask to actually see a certificate of insurance before signing anything. Any legitimate, insured contractor will be pleased to present theirs. * We give you copies of our workmen's compensation and liability insurance at contract signing for your protection and your records. 3. Have you CALLED the Better Business Bureau and asked if they have any complaints? Most complaints agains contractors will be filed with the local Better Business Bureau. To check the status of filed complaints or see weather any complaints have been filed against a contractor you are considering, contact the BBB at (248)644-9100 or go to their website at http://www.easternmichiganbbb.org 4. Does the contractor warranty his work? A state licensed contractor in Michigan has to warrant their work for 18 months from completion of the job. A professional contractor will put this in writing for your reference and iof course supply you with copies of all manufacturer's warranties for all prducts they used. * Not only do we warrant our work, but we put in writing and OUR warranties cover all of our work for a period of five years from project completion.