SEATTLE -- In this economic climate, we're all buckling down and trying to avoid hiring outside help for household fixes.

But sometimes you need a pro for those jobs that you can't do or don't want to do yourself.

Our friends at Good Housekeeping have some advice on how to find the right person at the right price.

First rule of thumb in hiring any service professional: Get references.

"If you hire someone you don't know from an ad or from a flyer you might have received, you might not know what kind of quality of work you are going to get," said Amy Roberts, an associated editor with Good Housekeeping.

Web sites also offer recommendations. For a fee, angieslist.com has a database of reviews.

servicemagic.com is free for consumers and features an extensive questionnaire to hone in one your needs.

Before you hire the person, find out if there's a minimum charge and if the price could go up from the quote.

"If the damage is more extensive than what was initially accessed, you may end up with increased costs," Roberts said.

When possible, try to hire local.

"A professional with an hourly rate may charge you for their travel time to and from your home," Roberts said.

Finally, make sure your professional carries insurance, and any licenses required Washington state.

Before signing, read contracts very carefully to make sure you understand the terms. Be sure to check out the warranty on the work and the materials.

If you're hiring a painter, see if he can get a discount on paint. Good painters usually have relationships with suppliers to get you the best rate on the best product for the job.