Vetting Contractors

[Michael Wolffs]

I'm in the process of rehabbing/reconfiguring a property.   I got names of contractors from various sources (here, other websites, brokers, other local sources.)  They've been to the property, and I'm now getting back bids.  I'll probably take the two best looking bids (not necessarily the cheapest, but a combination of price and professionalism), and run them through the mill.  The question is, what would be the best vetting procedure.  I know the following:

• Get license #s, and insurance info for the contractor and subs.
• Get references and call.
• Check with the state to validate the licenses
• Web search.  I joined Angie's List, which has so far proven worthless.

What else?

Thanks for any feedback.