Finding Out About Contractors, Part 1 (Week of January 19, 2009): I have an old house. It needs a lot of work. Somethings I do myself – paint, plaster, and caulk. I also can replace screens snagged by enthusiastic cats. However, some work I know if just beyond me. I don’t mess with electricity or plumbing, and I am not strong enough to replace windows on my own. So what do I do? Well, I turn to a handyman or a contractor, depending on the job. Sometimes a handyman will do, and that’s who I used to install my ceiling fans, for example. But when I had a new shower stall put in? Contractor all the way. In this week’s video (part 1 of two parts), I show you how to start your investigation online of a potential contractor so you know that whoever you chose is licensed and has a clean record. This episode will finish up next week.