A potential new client called us almost crying because she has been without a kitchen for six months.  She hired a contractor, who was referred by a friend, who lost his license during the project and never had workers compensation insurance (thus exposing her to any claims that might have come up--none-did thank goodness).  She was now looking up the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Silicon Valley for contractors and found us.
When we met with her, she was very upset, had spent tens of thousands of dollars on her kitchen, that would not (per our assessment) have passed final inspection and wanted to do things right.
I can not tell you how upsetting it was for Phil and myself to have to see what this "contractor" was going to leave her with--a sliding door and window installed improperly and sure to leak, new cabinet doors that are splitting and hung improperly and a water shut off valve behind the refrigerator (because it would be so easy for her to move the fridge and turn off the water if need be??!!).  It is horrible.
We are hoping to help re-build her faith that there are professional builders/remodelers who are licensed, insured and bonded and want to help owners create their dream homes.  So far, we have taken her to see our work, brought over our team to brainstorm  how to restore her kitchen properly and had her check our references as well as licensing  and insurance with the California State License Board. 
Her message to all and our message too, is this...
You are probably a professional person who is great in your area of expertise.  Remodeling and building is our area of expertise.  Please hire a professional who has been in business a while, has you see their work, gives you references to call (and call them) and check with the CSLB and other professional associations.
Let a professional help you through the process rather than wake you up from your nightmare!!!