Just about every home owner has had some experience with hiring contractors for repairs or remodeling . . . and almost everyone has a tale to tell of something that went wrong.ConsumerProdigy.comfinds that many of those complaints can be forestalled by carefully choosing the right contractor for a big job or a competent and reliable specialist or handyman for a smaller one. But how do you find a good contractor? First of all, make sure you have a clear idea of what work you want done. Outline the job in writing, and, if you want specific materials used or certain fixtures or appliances installed, describe those. Generally avoid businesses that solicit door-to-door for home improvement jobs. Although some of these businesses are reputable, this type of approach is standard practice for home remodeling scams, particularly those preying on elderly people. Unless you need an emergency repair, it's also usually not a good idea to select a business at random from the yellow pages listings...