Hiring a contractor for your home requires vigilance.  There are a lot scam artists out there.  Here's some insights to help protect yourself from contractors to avoid.

(NC) — Homeownership comes with many unknowns, and few of us don't need a contractor's expertise at some point. Whether it's a specialist like a plumber or electrician, or even a general contractor, there are many times when hiring a contractor is unavoidable, Many people don't know where to start. Where do I find someone? What questions should I ask? How do I know if I can trust they will do a good job? It can seem like a daunting task, but there are some simple steps you can take to help you find the right person for the job. • Do your research: What kind of skillset does the job require? Do they have the necessary qualifications? You want to make sure that whoever does the work is suitably qualified. If something goes wrong, your insurance may not cover you if it wasn't done properly. • Finding 'the one': There are many places to look for a skilled tradesperson: a simple web search for someone in your area is a good place to start. Online classifieds sites like Kijiji.ca have thousands of individuals and companies advertising their services all over Canada. Be sure to ask for references and call previous customers to get their feedback. Ask to see the contractor's insurance information - if they don't have it or won't share it, don't hire them. • Shop around: Get quotes from more than one person/company. It will give you a sense of whether or not the pricing is on point – if it differs substantially, ask for clarification. Meeting the contractors also gives you a chance to see who makes you feel comfortable. • Get things in writing: Be sure to get a written contract. Getting things in writing ensures you are both on the same page as to expectations and agreed upon work. Scott Neil is the head of vertical business at Kijiji Canada. He is responsible for the strategy, operations and development of vertical businesses at the company, including Kijiji Autos.