Check those references

Among all the necessary steps to take when hiring contractors, asking for and checking a contractor's references is most commonly overlooked by the homeowners.

Some are not comfortable with the idea of bothering a complete stranger, or calling someone on the phone to ask about the work performance of another. Others just don't know how to do it, or what to ask.

In our experience, when our customers are really happy with the service, not only will they not feel bothered for having their contact information used as reference but they will be delighted to provide the information requested.

This is why our policy is to offer references right away before you ask for them, and even before your ever get to meet our representative in person.
As for exactly what to ask a contractor's reference, the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) website has excellent tips:

"Ask the homeowners:

• Would you hire this company again?
• Did the remodeler maintain a neat jobsite, provide regular broom clean-up, and haul away debris including personal trash?
• Did the remodeler keep labor and materials delays to a minimum so that your job could be started and completed on time and within budget?
• Did you find the remodeler easy to work with? Did the remodeler keep you informed as the job progressed?
• Did the remodeler supply you with paperwork in a timely fashion?
• How well did the remodeler deal with the problems that arose?"

Although those questions were directed to remodeling contractors, we believe they apply to every contractor in the home improvement industry and we strongly encourage you to use them every time you plan on hiring a contractor.