Most right-minded contractors should not flinch by this, they should be proud of their work. References and past completed jobs are a big factor.
The "trust me" unknowns should be quite limited when one is paying a lot of money and juggling time to get a project completed.
After the second or third day, when they've proven themselves, is the best time to give slack and let them choose the quality vs speed.
Heck, even write in a "tip" in the contract for exceptional work.
Sorry, too many roofer-camp-fight stories from Florida to think otherwise, and I'm not a "man is born good" kind of guy(was it John Locke or Hobbs?). Why pay an idiot to f'k up a job when I can do it much cheaper
I couldn't afford you anyways Milt, but wish I could. I'll post picts of the appt. renovation as soon as I get to a stopping point.