The #1 cause of dissatisfaction and consumer complaints when dealing with a home improvement project is the lack of standardization and professionalism in the industry. —Stated by local Wisconsin homeowners As the owner of this manual you will walk through an easy to use, step by step process by which you will be able to do the following: Interview prospective contractors, research a company’s background, know the right questions to ask and avoid negligence and fraud; request and verify referrals; request and know the insurance requirements your contractor needs to have; detail material and product specifications; monitor the performance of your project; understand lien rights and waivers for all parties on your job; know your rights as well as the contractors rights to payments and distributions; understand deposit requirements, time scheduling and much more. With Americans spending billions of dollars per year on home improvements, it has become apparent there is a need to regulate and standardize this industry. For Wisconsin, this is a start. This book is a blueprint that incorporates standardization with regulation to help make every endeavor for home improvement successful. You are now equipped with an A-to-Z guide of how you can conduct a successful home improvement project. From the initial meetings with contractors to the performance of a project for which you have a signed contract, the standard set here will give you peace of mind and a legitimate process by which you may redeem yourself should you not get what you have paid for.