Beware When Hiring A Contractor I recently purchased a piece of land in the Upstate, New York area  of approximately two acres of wooded land in a nice location with great views. I was planning to build a Log Cabin style house because it would fit in the area nicely and wouldn't be a large construction project. I was recommended a local builder and met with him, "John" He said he had built several log homes in the area and was very assuring to me as he explained what the construction would entail and so on. He quoted me a price for a sixteen hundred square foot, two-story home with a basement. It would include two bedrooms on the second floor, one bathroom, and a full sized kitchen. He stated the price he quoted included the land clearing and tree removal, a cesspool, electrical from the local power company, and paving. I agreed to his price and so we signed a contract. It was also stated in the contract that the entire project would be completed in three months and that if it went over, that I would be compensated by a daily credit. I gave a deposit and he started the work. To make a long story short, John did some land clearing and poured the concrete for the foundation of the house. I met with him at the location and I noticed that the concrete slab he had poured was not level. He explained that it was not necessary because wood beams would be covering the concrete. Then I questioned him about the basement and he stated it was the floor of the basement, even though it was ground level. At this meeting, he said within the next few days he would start assembling the logs for the first and second floors, and would need more money.  At this point, I had paid John close to $40,000.The next time I called him, he said he didn't have the money to pay his insurance for workman's compensation. I said I would pay it as long as he continued the job. Several days after that when I had asked about his progress, he stated that "worms have eaten the logs."  No, I am not joking – this is exactly what he had said. I have now hired an attorney and in the process of suing "John." The moral of the story? Do a complete background check before you hire a contractor and pay money.  Verify the work the contractor has stated in his resume; ask for references; call the local better business bureau. Get a detailed plan of all the work to be completed to exact specifications.  Have a comment? Send to: info@betterlifestyles.com Website: http://www.betterlifestyles.com