Also when dealing with contractors dont feel intimidated cause you dont know about their profession.Ask for references and previous jobs to look at. I do carpentry on the side and I tell all potential clients that if they feel uneasy about the money then they can purchase the materials (with or without me present) have them delivered and then I start work.then you brake down labor payments according to completion. It is more of a hassle but initialy you will not be handing them a large amount of money. I know several people that has handed a carpenter a check for around 7,000$ for a garage or work to be done and puff gone.