Do your homework before hiring a contractor, and follow your gut. Most contractors are men and Laura says making sure you are comfortable with your contractor is key. "You want to make sure this is somebody you can relate to, who you have a rapport with, who isn't talking down to you, doesn't prefer to talk to your husband, who isn't treating you like the car mechanic treats you," Laura says. "There are really good contractors out there who know how to work with women, who know how to be professional and who aren't going to be treating you like you are a second-class citizen." 

Tips on hiring a contractor.

Don't pay too much up front.