Prepare yourself before the (sometimes dreaded) contractor interviews by making a list of the things you want accomplished with your project, even including a few sketches or even photos you've seen and saved. Have a friend or two with you during the interviews--NEVER be there alone. Then make a list of questions to ask each contractor you interview, making a point of writing down his/her answers for your later evaluation, helping you rate one against the other. Finally, don't be afraid to contact the contractor licensing agency in your area--many of them maintain current lists of contractors, by specialties, and all will have records of those with significant performance problems in the past. Hint--do stay away from anyone with multiple license numbers and/or business names. It's just a trick to stay one step ahead of authorities trying to keep their shady operations in check.