Which contractor should I go with?

[Eric Samuels]

So I have a flex space in one of the units of my duplex that can easily be turned into a 3rd bedroom. It would need a closet and the stacked laundry unit in it would need to be made accessible outside. To do that I could cut a hole in the dry wall and turn it 90 degrees so people can use it from the hallway but there is a light switch for a nearby bathroom in the way so that would need to be moved into the bathroom as well. First contractor said $1,000 to add the closet, $2,000 to move the laundry unit and time + materials for the light switch so it will most likely be more than $3,000. The second guy only saw photos and quoted me for $2,500 but was actually unaware of the additional light switch move. Was still $2,500 plus a potential $600 for materials total after informing him. A fellow investor of mine took photos and sent it to him. What would be my safest option here? I do think the contractor who came in person seems like a trustworthy guy but it’s the first time I met him.

Lastly, should I be the one to provide a contractor agreement for them to sign before getting this work done? Should I request their contractor licenses? Just want to make sure I’m protected given I haven’t hired a solo subcontractor in this way before.

Thanks for the advice.