My daughter's experience wasn't good either. The sober house was on the list at her rehab but they didn't have an existing relationship with them (it was out of state). Having said that, I still believe they are beneficial and serve a good purpose. If my daughter has to go back down that road again, I wouldn't hesitate to pay for it initially, and I would examine them with a fine tooth comb.
I'd check with the state mental health board for complaints and make sure they are certified with the state. Each state has different laws and some are more stringent than others. I'd also ask the director and counselors if they're in recovery, for how long, and what kind of program they work. I'd accept nothing less than five years sobriety and expect them to work the same recovery program they require of the residents. In other words, I would grill them until I'm 100% comfortable. If they were to become uncomfortable or dismissive, that's not a place I'd send my daughter.