Your home may be your most valuable financial asset. It is important to safeguard that asset with proper maintenance and thoughtful improvements when necessary. Choosing a home improvement professional or hiring a contractor is the most important step in the process. Beware of slick advertisements in the Yellow Pages and other publications. Flyers left at your door or mailed to your home are not an indication of the quality and legitimacy of a contractor or home improvement business. West-Central Florida has been especially hard hit by home improvement scam artists. Often times these scam artists will prey on our elderly consumers.

Your best bet is to check with friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members, who may have had some home improvements done recently. Word of mouth from people you trust is always a good way to start. Always check with your county or city construction licensing departments to determine if your project requires a permit and a licensed professional. Ask them about complaints filed against the company you are considering. Contact your consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints they may have on file.

Once you have narrowed the choices down, obtain written estimates from each company. Make sure the estimate includes the work to be done, materials involved, completion date and total cost. Don't be afraid to ask for references. Legitimate companies and contractors will be happy to provide you with the names and contact information of recent customers.

Before signing the contract, make sure the contractors name, street address, telephone number and license number is included. A precise description of the work to be completed should be clearly stated. A payment schedule, completion date, and all warranty terms and conditions should also be included in the contract.

Remember these tips to avoid a potential rip-off:

• Be very wary of door-to-door and high pressure sales
• Avoid companies that only accept cash
• Never pay for the entire job up front
• Stay away from financing offers that lack all of the important financial terms
• Get everything in writing
• Understand the warranty terms on both the workmanship and material
• Ask about cancellations, and estimated start and completion dates
• Always keep all of your records in the event things go wrong
• Don't be afraid to ask questions before, during and after the job. Stay involved. It's your home. It's your money!!