How to find a trustworthy contractor for basement reno

[sketty55]

We are planning to do a basement reno asap. I've checked on HandyCanadian and have called several contractors over to quote on our property. All of them sound great when they arrive, are extremely friendly, and very accomodating. I'm not sure how valid the feedback is on this website, and I would be willing to sacrifice some time and expense if I knew I was hiring a contractor that can be trusted. However, I don't have an existing relationship with any of them and am worried that I will have issues just as many others have with the majority of companies out there. I'm not necessarily looking for recommendations for contractors, but more about the process for those that are familiar with it. How do you decide on who to hire without having an established relationship? Any advice would be appreciated.

[ABitOfUltraviolence]

I'm a Contractor in the GTA, and speaking from personal experience, I have never advertised online or in the paper, 100% of all my work comes from word of mouth, so if you know a GC this way, go that route.
Aside from that there's no real telling what you'll get.

good luck

[sjennings]

I just had my basement done and they were amazing.
They have done work for another couple of friends and every time they do excellent work.
On time and on budget.
They are not the cheapest but their price is fair and the quality is very good.
Everyone that sees our basement is blown away.