While most consumers understand the importance of getting customer references from contractors they interview, many people fail to follow up and actually contact these references. This is a mistake.

Telephoning people you don't know to ask them about their experiences with a contractor can be somewhat intimidating. To help you, we've created a Customer Reference Worksheet that you can download and print. This provides a series of questions that will make reference checks easier and more consistent.

Some consumers wonder about the value of contractor-provided customer references, assuming they won't be given the names of dissatisfied customers. While there is certainly some truth to this, don't underestimate what you can learn about a contractor, even when talking with satisfied customers. Every contractor has strengths and weaknesses, even the best professionals. Their past customers are in the best position to tell you what these are.

If a contractor is unable or unwilling to provide customer references, you should simply eliminate the company from any further consideration.