We have a couple big projects that I’m not comfortable doing myself (mainly roof/foundation repair).
I’ve had a couple contractors out that I found on google and have been very displeased. Their work might be good but jesus the salesmen they send out.
They range from overly aggressive to incompetent.
So how do you find good contractors? I’ve noticed the bigger the company, the worse the impression.
Community mailing lists. Maybe Nextdoor. I’m much more likely to try someone that a person I know recommended. For instance, we have a very active school “bulletin board” mailing list and people ask for and receive recommendations all the time. I may not know the person making the recommendation personally, but we’re all part of the same community group and that holds some water for me personally.
Nextdoor is a real crapshoot depending on where you live, but if you have nothing else, it’s worth a try.