Check the reviews before you call....

[Sandal16]

There is a website I found out about recently called [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]. It is presently available in 35 major cities, with more to come. It's a site where you can grade the service you've received, and read what others say, about plumbers, auto repair, landscapers, pet services, chimney sweeps, etc., the list goes on and on! Since losing my husband last year, I am totally lost when I need something done around the house. It beats looking in the yellow pages and not knowing what you're going to get!

It's free to join for a year, then it's $5.95 a month after that.

[tateote]

There is also this site: [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now]
They also have ratings and reviews in an open format and you can even submit your project and have contractors call you. I tested it out and it worked pretty well. We ended up hiring a friend of my husbands, but the process worked and the contractors they sent over were definitely qualified.

[galena]

I read about angieslist recently, too, just can't remember where. Our town has a website that has a forum where people can share experiences about local services. Sure helps out when you don't know where to turn.

[islandgirlscot]

Angieslist is a great source.