[RWebb]

Look - if it is something big, you need to hire an Architect. Not for design - so they will specify how many freakin' nails to be driven, what kind of nail, how far apart & on & on. They work for you. The contractor has to meet their spec. Simple as that.

Neighbor word of mouth is good otherwise.

S'magic seems to use their web site as a way to get info about you....

Angie's List is ok for a big city (Houston) but here, it has little info in it - they also run every low rating past the contractor so I'm not sure what happens after that. Not saying the C. should not be able to deal with an irate & crazy homeowner, of course...