We’ve all heard the horror stories: a kitchen with cabinets removed and a gaping hole in the wall and the contractor skips town, a family room looked beautiful until it started to rain.

How can you protect against disaster when you undertake your home beautification project? Planning and a good contract can help.

The best way to find a contractor is through friends and neighbors. Industry groups recommend you get a written estimate from at least three contractors, visit job sites and inspect the quality of work.

You know checking references is important, but so is getting specific materials and quality of products outlined in the contract, as well as a timeline for completion of phases of the project.