As to getting a general contractor, you might want to consider doing all the projects you can dealing with the individual subcontractors (plumber, electrician, carpenter, etc.) yourself, as your general will be marking up whatever their cost is. What a general contractor is good for is making sure that things are done in the correct order so that what one sub does will not need to be undone by what the next one does.

Also consider the fact that as you are interviewing these individuals, they are interviewing you. Ever had a guy come out to look at a job and then never call you back with an estimate. He probably has decided your job wasn't worth his time. Don't divulge too much information, i.e. *I'm getting three other bids.* He may decide he doesn't want to get involved in *competitive bidding*. Be sure to ask about whether he carries liability and workman's compensation insurance and ask to see his certificate of insurance. Some trademen who do the work themselves might not carry the workman's comp. but at least you should know that and what risks it involves.