Contractor Issues. HELP!

[Jonathan Orr]

I am having a difficult time with my contractors.  I have developed a good relationship with a few contractors that I have used in the past. However with the market in Southern California being hot with rehab and construction I am having a hard time getting them in a timely manner, just because they are busy with projects I already have and they can't spread themselves thin or other projects.

I am wondering how people go about finding contractors in their area? I am hesitant in just cold calling people because I don't know their work history or speed.  I am always wanting to expand my network but how does someone go about to get a new contractor (haven't had to do that in a while).  From the few cold calls I have made it seems that the contractors I find are less than interested in actually doing work.  Even though they may have good reviews (yelp, facebook, etc...)

Any recommendations on how you guys have found contractors to work with?