"calhoun" wrote in message

You stated you already called a contractor that was recommended by a
friend. That is a good reference. That is how you will find a good
contractor.

Every contractor I use was found that way. When they did a small job well,
on time, within budget, they became our regular contractors. For big jobs I
may need a budget figure, but for small stuff, they are just told "do it"
and they do. We also pay them on time.