1.) NEVER pay with cash.
2.) Request a properly executed and notarized lien waiver/release in exchange for each payment made.
3.) Have the bank return a front and back copy of each cancelled check issued as payment.
4.) Keep a copy of the front side of personal checks issued as payment.
5.) Keep copies of bank statements that reflect checks issued as the payments clear your account.
6.) Request a formal account statement from the handyman that reflects services rendered, invoice numbers and payments made.
7.) Request a formal account statement from the handyman that reflects balance of an account paid in full.
8.) Make personal checks payable to the licensed company name only.
9.) If you pay with a cashier's check, keep a copy of the front side of the cashier check.
10.) Never make a personal check payable to a company partner or employee.
11.) If you make a payment to your handyman's subcontractor, issue the check as a two-party joint check to both the handyman and the subcontractor.
12.) Keep a copy of all credit card statements that reflect purchases for the project or payments made to a handyman.
