NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — You've heard the scam stories. A contractor offers to replace a roof or patch a driveway, asks for up-front money and then leaves never to be seen again. Or, disappears in the middle of the job.

The mere thought of those kinds of rip-off artists makes you want to put up with leaky faucets and drafty windows.

You can find a credible contractor who can do a good job without taking you to the cleaners.

Ask around. Word-of-mouth reference is one of the best ways to find a good fix-it person or contractor to do major remodeling work. In Hampton, Va., Melanie Paul used word-of-mouth recommendations to hire a handyman who is installing new kitchen cabinets for $5,000 less than the big-box stores and $2,000 less than the next lowest-bid handyman.

Get good phone numbers. Never accept only a cell phone as a point of contact, according to Bea Waggener of Newport News, Va. Make sure the person has a "real" phone number and business address.

Interview several. Talk to at least three contractors and get their bids. Stick to the same project details for each so you have comparable costs.

Check their tools and truck. Neater is better, says Kevin Ireton, editor for Fine Homebuilding magazine.

Get a copy of their contractor's license and ask their insurance company to fax or e-mail you proof they have insurance and workmen's compensation.

Ask questions. Does he offer a warranty? Does he have more than one job going at a time?

Go online. Web sites such as www.angieslist.com and www.jobsitejoe.com offer forums where homeowners can request job estimates, but, again, check references.