To start the homeowner should ask for a License. However, the question is: what kind of license he or she has it? It takes about 40 minutes and a little over $30 to get an occupational license in any tax collector. That DOES NOT make that person a contractor period. In order to get a state license we have to go through criminal and financial background. That alone should make you homeowner more confident. If for some reason the contractor you hired does not delivered what was agreed upon it, the construction board will step in and solve the situation quickly. First, the contractor's licensed will be suspended. That is just the beginning of a painful road for the contractor. In another words, we were already prescreened, and that homeowners, makes a huge difference. Next time you ask for a license, also ask what kind of license. If price is the only thing that matters to you, then I respectfully ask you to disregard my suggestion.