Asking the right questions before hiring a contractor can save you money. Make sure you know the answers to the questions below before spending any money on home improvements

• Do you know the full name & working phone number of the salesperson?

• Do you know the name and local address of the company?

• Have you done a Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other investigative checks to determine whether the company is of good reputation, dependable, responsible?

• Have you asked the salesperson and company for references?

• Did the salesperson try to "high pressure" you into signing the contract?

• Has the salesperson or company offered you a "special price" after representing that your home would be used for advertising, as a model job, show-house or by display of their sign?

• Were any and all guarantees in writing on the contract and were they clear and specific as to what they mean and as to what would be done in the event of a problem?

• Have you received more than one bid on the same job with exactly the same specifications?

• In reference to long-time guarantees, what's the basis in your belief that the company will be in existence or financially able to fulfill the guarantee during a period of 5, 10, 15, 20 or more years later?

• Are the salesperson and company authorized to represent the manufacturer they claim to represent?

• Do you know what brand, grade or quality of siding, roofing or windows the company will use?

• Does the company provide liability and compensation insurance to protect you if there's an accident?

• Before signing a contract, have you consulted your own bank or financing agency instead of signing a note for the company's financing group?

• Have you obtained estimates or job quotes in order to consult with the bank before singing a contract?

• Has F.H.A been represented as anything to do with performance of the company or guarantee of the job, other than just insuring your bank loan?

• If work is to be done by sub-contractors, will the company with which you signed the contract protect you against liens on your home?

• With respect to any repairs for which you expect to collect insurance, have you checked with the insurance company first before singing a contract?

• Does the contract contain the name and street address of the company with a working phone number; specifications such as type and extent of work; completion dates for each stage; extras; description of materials such as quality, grade or name, weight, color or style; total cost, finance charges, annual % rate of interest?

• Are the things you want done specified in the contract?

• Is there a provision for payment of damages by you if you cancel the contract?

• Do you understand the entire contract and did the salesperson and/or company sign you given a complete, readable copy?

• Does the contract promise labor only, where you pay in advance for all materials?

• Has anyone asked to be paid in cash in exchange for a discount, asked to be paid in advance instead of requesting a check or money order made out to the company?

• If the contract is going to be signed in your home, does it contain a 3-day decision or "cooling off" clause permitting you to cancel without penalty?

• Are you asked to sign a completion certificate for the job under threat or via added promises not on the contract before the job is properly completed?