We have done 3 major remodels in the past 5 years (two places, so you do the math.) First, I recommend that you be "lucky". But, second, I recommend you find someone and give them a small job to do. Our last remodel, we had a feeling that the guy was good. We know him from church, but were just not certain. So we had him widen and replace one door. We figured we could have someone else "fix" his mistakes if need be. he did a GREAT job, so we had him tile the BR and put in a new vanity. GREAT job, so we had him tile the entire apartment. He was here 2 months on what started as a 2 day job.
Probably the best place to start is to find someone completely independent. He has no workers (or, if so, maybe one helper). If at all possible, work with the person, doing minor jobs (we did tear out, clean up, some painting, tile sealing, etc.) Just BE there. You'd be surprised that many "bad" jobs are just jobs not done the way you want them. If you are there or keep close tabs, you can nip any problems in the bud.
We got a recommendation from a realtor and she allowed us to go visit the guy at one of his projects. He showed us what he was doing and allowed us to come any time we wanted (a complete rehab job). We hired him and were pretty much satisfied - he was a little expensive and just a bit difficult to "work" with. Still, we were happy with the results.
Our first guy, we also had help with a small project and just kept adding. You might wonder how you get folks who will do small projects. If you are in an economy like we have here, there are usually folks (independent) between jobs who would LOVE to have work. You have to keep your ears open and ask around. All our people came from word of mouth or from just hearing about someone (e.g., someone they know is out of work.)
Good luck. This is a stressful time for you. Try to take it slow and "try someone out" before you go all the way with them.
YMMV