How to Check a Contractor’s References
When checking references, ask whether the contractor is insured and, if applicable, licensed to do the work. If someone gets hurt or your neighbor's property is damaged by an unlicensed or uninsured contractor, you could be responsible. You should also know what your homeowners' insurance covers before work starts.

No matter how you find potential contractors, be sure to ask for a list of previous customers; then call them or, better yet, visit their homes to look at the work. Ask questions like: Would you hire this contractor again?

Were you satisfied with the quality of the work?

How did the contractor handle cleanup each day?

Was the contractor easy to deal with?

How did the contractor handle differences and work changes?

Was the job completed on time and at the estimated cost? If not, why?