SEATTLE -- You've done your homework. You go several bids, checked references, verified credentials and found yourself a good contractor. Excellent.

Now, you need to make sure your project is done the way you want it. And that's means communication. You and the contractor need to be on the same page.

Celia Kuperszmid-Lehrman, Deputy Home Editor at Consumer Reports, says the best way to avoid confusion is not to talk in generalities. She gives this example: "When you say you want it to be smooth and you say you want it to be even -- those terms may mean different things to you than they mean to a professional painter."

Before the work starts you want a contract that spells out all the details: start date, time line, materials, cleanup, who gets the permits and what's the warranty.

If there are any changes to the original work order or if you spot any problems, make sure you back-up any verbal communication with something in writing: a letter or e-mail.

And remember, whenever there's a change, it could slow down the project and drive up the cost. Be sure to talk to the contractor about that.

More Info:

Consumer Reports: How to hire a contractor

BBB Advice on Hiring Contractors for Home Improvements and Remodeling

Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries - Contractors