Get a written agreement in place (agreement can be verbal, but not effective in enforcing the agreement). Try to get percentage of the money, you agreed to, before you start the work.See if you can get more money as the work progresses. Get as much information on the person and/or the business you are working with. Full name and address. Information on business registration (Minnesota Secretary of State web-site). Get information about contractor license (Minnesota Commerce Department). Check with the Better Business Bureau---in St. Paul. Search the Internet to see if they have mistreated anyone before. When you provide material and/or services to the property, send out a pre-lien letter (must be licensed). Home owner may hold the money to make sure all who provide services and material to the property gets paid. After the work is done and not paid, put a lien on the property. You may file in court to get your money. If you do not get paid when the work is done, you can fil an action conciliation court/small claims court. File at the county court where the business or the person lives. Must complete a summons and complaint. Must pay a filing fee. Amount has to be $15, 000 or less