How can I weed out a good contractor from amongst the douche bags?

The advice given to me which I shall give to you is...

Get references

Call references, ask how the job went? also if there were any problems did he fix them?

Okay I went searching around and found this:

http://www.contractorsfromhell.com/?page_id=3

Good Luck!!

Cinn =)

and be sure you like them since they will be in your house a lot

It depends where you are.

You should call a number of possible contractors and walk through the work.

Get a number of quotes.

Be very cautious of the least and most expensive.

Also be wary of any contractor who needs a big down payment before the work starts.

There is a concept that a downpayment is required but not more than 20%.

I do not know where you live,

Here in the UK,we have a site,that is run by quite a few County Councils(trading standards offices)

It is called "Buy With Confidence",all contractors are vetted and approved before being allowed to join the scheme.

The contractors are reviewed and rely on feed back from customers to continue with their status.

The service is free to customers.

I am proud to say,that my company is a member.

Ask for references and check them out. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Never pay before the job is finished.

Ask him or her when they come out if they are a douchebag. The good contractors will immediately turn and walk away. Then you'll know. I would if somebody asked me a question like that.

Check with your state's contractor licensing department. Make sure they're insured and bonded. Ask for references and call them, ask to see examples of their work. Get everything in writing.

Ask for references and then actually CALL THEM. I own a handyman business and most of my work comes from references. Ask people you know and trust if they have anyone they could recommend. Be wary of people that tell you about relatives in the business, how objective can they be about people they are related to? Make sure they have current insurance and are licensed if that is required in your state. On the insurance, they should be able to get you a certificate of coverage and you should call the insurance provider to make sure it's current.

Douchebag, or simply douche, is considered to be a "term of abuse". The slang usage of the term dates back to the 1960s. The term implies a variety of negative qualities, specifically arrogance and engaging in obnoxious and/or irritating actions without malicious intent.

Ask neighbors/friends, or do a search through the Better Business Bureau.

email me if you need help.

i don't know anyone in your area obviously, but i do work in an industry that has to deal with contractors a ton. i would suggest you seek out some mechanical engineering companies and ask them which contractors they would recommend.