• Look at feedback. Read what previous clients have said, and specifically, read the negative or less than perfect comments. A busy contractor will be bound to have had a bad work experience; it happens to the best of us. But look for any consistencies in the negative comments. Are they consistently late? Is the quality questioned each time?

• Do they commonly do the same type of job as yours? If they do, it’s a good sign.

• Check out their portfolio. A popular contractor may do great work at a reasonable price, but if their style isn’t what you’re looking for, the match still won’t work. Make sure you like their look, feel, sound, or writing style, whatever applies.

• Price is not king. “You get what you pay for” can easily be applied to online work. Yes, great bargains are to be had. But if the work isn’t what you wanted, it was money wasted all the same. Price should be one factor, but not the only factor.

• Check out the new contractors. It may take a little more due diligence, but give these guys a chance. Every star was new once.

• Consider how many repeat clients they have. This can be a positive sign.

• Consider if their credentials are verified or not. This isn’t a deal breaker, but is a sign in their favor.