Fly By Night Companies (SCAMS) : Yes they do exist and often they prey on people by offering "hard to believe" deals. Always, always, always check your contractors out. Un-Insured Contractors : It costs a lot of money to run a legitimate company. If they don't finish the job, break something, somebody gets hurt, etc. etc. etc. - it will all fall in your lap, regardless of what you have already paid this illegal contractor. Beginners : Contractors have to start somewhere right? Well, not on your house. Most successful contractors learn while under the supervision of someone experienced... not out on their own and playing with your hard earned money. But, it is your money and you have the right to do whatever you will with it. Although, I wouldn't advise hiring a beginner. I have fixed alot of jobs for homeowners for this exact reason and ultimately they end up paying more than if they would have had called us an experienced contractor in the first place. Why? Because, often the experienced contractor has to fix the beginners work and we are now talking about more materials, more labor and not to mention the money you already gave the beginner.