Selecting a Contractor

My wife and I are looking for a contractor to do some work for us. We need to redo our driveway, front walkway, entryway and patio. I'm not sure if you give recommendations but I figured it wouldn't do any harm to ask. At least you might be able to tell us who the "bad" guys are so that we can avoid using your other services later on.

We live in Los Angeles, not far from the Beverly Center and would obviously like to use a local company or at least someone who is familiar with the area.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give.
You are right, I don't dare give recommendations. However, some good ways to find one include walking the area and discreetly checking recently performed work.

When it looks good you can talk to the owners and find out what they think about the contractor. Usually people like to share these experiences.

You may also wish to check with the Better Business B. for complaints.

The "Blue Book Building and Construction" (which can be found at the Beverly Hills Library and most engineers/architects/contractors, among others) lists many contractors. One trick I use is going to an older version (1992 in my case) and call from there. If they are still in business they may be doing something right.

But regardless of who you choose, ask for a list of recent jobs and take the time to see the work and talk to the owners before you close the deal.