When you’re looking for a contractor, plumber, painter or any other kind of repair person, it’s hard to know who to trust. Once you decide on one, then comes the task of protecting your family, home and possessions. If you’re looking to hire a professional for a home remodeling project, be sure to read these safety tips below.

• Hire a legitimate professional and do your research: Use sites like Porch.com and angieslist.com to help find verified professionals and reviews from real customers. Take your time and really do your research, this will ensure you find someone who will do a good job. With Porch.com you can even find professionals who have worked in your neighborhood. This should help give you peace of mind.

• Sign a contract: A contract laying out the cost, scope of work, etc. so you know exactly what you’re paying for and what they’re doing exactly. Make extra copies to have on file for any future reference.

• Install a security system: Surveillance cameras are a great way to monitor your home whether you’re there or away. Contact us to learn more about our residential security systems and to schedule a free security assessment.

• Take pictures: Taking pictures before, after and in between can help track progress and give you solid documentation should there be any issues. If you have any concerns be sure to voice them immediately.

• Monitor your home: Avoid handing out keys or passcodes to any repair people entering and leaving your home. If you or someone in your family can’t stick around to monitor your home, try asking a trusted neighbor or friend who can come by and keep tabs.

• Update your security company: If the updates/home repairs will interfere with your alarm system, do reach out to your security company and let them know what’s happening in case they receive any alerts or alarm signals that are false.