hiring a contractor tips

[Kevin Marcucio]

so i have a porch that is sagging and causing the top porch and attic above it to sag too.  the beam post is starting to pop out wards away from the house where the house number 8 is.  so a guy said his friend is a licensed contractor who can fix this for 5000.  he wants 3000 up front lol. and also to get a building permit. so i have a couple of questions. 

1.  how do i know if he is a licensed contractor?

2.  how do I protect myself from him just taking my money and not doing the job?

[Jim Fleck]

 you typically can check a state website and if it is not available ask him to provide a copy of his license. He wants to buy materials I ask for the amount and tell him you can pay Home Depot directly or whoever at least get a list of materials and I would pre-pay for the permit but that is all. You could actually pay the city directly For the permit as well. I never do a contractor more than permit money and dumpster money if needed to start with