Make sure you get more than one estimate. I remember at one time getting an estimate for a retaining wall in our back yard - the price was ridiculous, because basically, the guy was busy and the job was a little bit of a hassle and he just didn't want to be bothered. The next estimate came in less than half as much.
Hire a good contractor to do structural repairs. Cosmetic stuff you can probably learn to do yourself. I became pretty good at tile work myself in my younger days, out of necessity.
