Finding a home improvement contractor

As a homeowner, I hate trying to find a competent and reputable contractor when I need to have work done. Next to cost, this is the main reason that I try to do as much home and auto maintenance and repair work myself as possible.

Bruce Mohl's Consumer Beat column in yesterday's Boston Sunday Globe had some good resources that homeowners could use to help them choose contractors, equipment and materials.

Here are some of the contractor resources that I found particularly useful:

• Angie's List: Contractor reviews and ratings by other homeowners.
• Consumers CHECKBOOK: Contractor reviews and ratings by other homeowners.
• ServiceMagic: Contractor referral site.
• HVAC-Talk: Heating, Air & Refrigeration discussion forums.
• TerryLove.com: Plumbing product reviews and discussion forums.