Talking to references for contractors is important because it can provide valuable insight into how the contractor has worked in the past and whether they will be a good fit for a project. It also helps to gauge their level of skill and experience, as well as their customer service. Knowing how a contractor has performed on similar projects provides an opportunity to determine if there is potential for success with the current one and if any steps need to be taken to ensure successful completion. Additionally, talking to references can help identify any potential problems that may arise during the project, such as poor communication or bad time management skills. Talking to references provides you with extra peace of mind knowing that you have chosen a trustworthy contractor who will deliver excellent results.