Don't pay anything until the work is completed to your satisfaction no matter who you hire. Get several estimates and don't tell the others the prices you've gotten, none of their business. The lowest can save money but may not stand behind their work, the highest may be no better, word of mouth is usually the best way to go. Good luck, it's hard when you do not know a contractor personally. Since I do not know where you live I can't help, if it's close to Indianapolis I might.
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God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.