Neighbor recommended a contractor but I'm still nervous
So my neighbor across the street had their kitchen and bathroom completely redone last year and it looks amazing, I've been over there a few times and I'm honestly jealous of how beautiful everything turned out. They gave me the contact information for the contractor they used and said they had a great experience, which is really helpful because I've been struggling to find someone I feel comfortable with. But even with a personal recommendation, I'm still kind of nervous about making such a big commitment and trusting someone with my home. I know my neighbor had a good experience, but every project is different and I worry that my job might not go as smoothly for some reason. I've been trying to do my due diligence by looking into the company's background, reading reviews, and checking their credentials, but I'm not really sure what I should be looking for beyond the basics. I want to make sure they're properly licensed and insured, and I'd love to see some examples of their work that are similar to what I'm planning. I also want to get a sense of how they communicate and whether they're responsive to questions and concerns, because I know that can make or break the whole experience. I've been reading about how to vet contractors and I keep seeing advice to look for reputable San Mateo home remodeling contractors who have a track record of satisfied clients and transparent business practices. For those of you who've hired contractors based on a personal recommendation, did it work out well for you? What additional steps did you take to verify that they were the right fit for your project? I really want to trust my neighbor's recommendation but I also want to be smart about this.