Hiring a contractor often is confused with the art of getting bids. Often the contractor that offers the best bid is the one who gets the job. Nothing could be more dangerous to an unwary consumer. The processes are closely related that's for sure, but hiring a contractor and bidding are completely different. Hiring a contractor involves investigating that person's character and reputation. Bidding simply has to do with the pricing of the project. Check the contractor out just like the bank does you when you want a loan. Get the contractor to fill out a credit application. And that's the On The House tip for today.