A reputable contractor should be able to provide plenty of positive references. You would be wise to avoid any contractor that can't. Here are some examples of questions you can ask a contractor's references.

(Note: We strongly urge you to print this out for use when you talk to references)

1. What type of project or projects has the contractor done for you?
2. Did they do a quality job?
3. Why did you choose this contractor?
4. Did you get prices or opinions from other contractors that you feel had comparable specifications and credentials, if not, Why? And if so, how did they compare?
5. Did the contractor finish within the timeframe he said he would?
6. What would you say about the crew members that did your work — were they respectable and clean? Did they seem to know what they were doing?
7. Was the contractor responsive to you your questions and/or concerns? Could you reach him quickly?
8. Did they maintain a neat and orderly jobsite?
9. Did the contractor do what he said he would do?
10. Were there any additional charges and if so, were they handled in such a way that left you feeling satisfied?
11. On a scale of 1-10 (ten being highest) how would you rate your overall experience with this contractor?
12. Do you have any reservations about hiring him again?
13. May I come by to see the work first hand?