How to Find Out If a Contractor Is Legit or Any Good?

Talk to friends, neighbors and family about local contractors they have used, and ask if they can recommend someone for your specific needs. Ask about the quality of the work, how long it took and any problems they had with that specific contractor.

Check the Better Business Bureau's website to find the contractor's accreditation, ratings and complaint history. The site shows the number and types of complaints -- whether related to the advertising, repair, service, selling or delivery -- and whether they were resolved.

Study consumer reviews on the Internet via sites such as Angie's List, Kudzu and Job Trio. Select the contractors you are interested in and review the statements, both positive and negative, about the contractor, his business practices, work quality and business ethics.

Narrow your search for contractors using the reviews and Better Business Bureau accreditation. Write their names and contact information on separate sheets of paper to keep organized.

Request to see a copy of each contractor's business license and insurance policy to ensure that each is legitimate. Ask for the addresses where the contractor has completed exterior projects and do a drive-by inspection, and review before-and-after photos of inside jobs. Examine referrals or testimonials from previous customers.

Analyze all of the gathered data and choose a contractor that best suits your needs and preferences. Get an estimate for services and a written contract before any renovations begin.