I agree with grtplayer amd Chalmette...

Other ideas...

Check with Better Business Bureau

Get at least three references and call them

Google business name on line

Written contract - as was said absolutely everything in writting...any change orders must be in writting and both signatures

Ask who will be doing the work - they may subcontract out all the work and do nothing...so contract should indicate no subcontractors with out written approval.

Insurance - get a certificate - Worker's comp, auto, general, and an umbrella - minimum coverage one million

I could go on and on...I could PM you a copy of the language we use for property management. You could easily modify it. By the way we never sign a contractors agreement - we provide our agreement for them to sign...it is fair probably weighted in favor of us...