Even when dealing with licensed pros, homeowners hiring a contractor should seek referrals from past and current clients, and ask to see the contractor’s work, both completed and in progress. “Everyone has their own perspective of what’s good,” says Tom Pendleton, president and owner of Pendleton Homes & Remodeling in McLean, Va. A client might give a contractor a glowing recommendation because he was a nice guy who got the job done ahead of schedule, when the actual work looks sloppy. READ MORE 10-Ways-Contractors