homeadvisor.com, which use to Service Magic will usually have three contractors bid on a particular project around your area. There is a ranking system there as well so you can see other people’s reviews on a particular contractor. You will also be able to separate projects and organize things fairly easily. Be prepared to come home to meet a lot of subcontractors though.

Then again, you can do a lot of projects yourself quite easily if you have the patience and the time. It goes a long way if you are starting out with your home.