[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Boller signed a contract that lists the total price of remodeling her kitchen and a bathroom at $30,000. She paid a total of $21,000 before any work was completed.

Idiot. Get three estimates. Take the one in the middle. Then pay...by check...1/3 as a down payment to start the work. Then 1/3 when work is started and the last third when work is completed. If they demur or protest, tell them to get lost.

[V_TWIN]

Also, check references, if they are licensed and bonded.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

You are absolutely correct.