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Baseball may still top the list as “America’s Pastime,” but home improvement is moving up in the rankings very quickly. A recent poll indicated that 8 out of 10 American homeowners have remodeled or are planning to remodel their home. The ready availability of low-cost home equity loans has served to accelerate the pace of remodeling,redeveloping and “ fixing up.” Rather than sell their house and move on, many people are staying put and turning the old homestead into a shining new castle - increasing its value considerably at the same time.

What can you do to protect yourself from becoming the next victim of home improvement hijinks? Start by following these 7 tips for selecting the best contractor to work on your home.

1. Shop around for a reputable contractor. Newspaper, radio and television ads, direct mail fliers, the Yellow Pages, the internet – are all good sources for locating a contractor in your area. You can also ask your neighbors, family or friends for a reference. Many of the large home center hardware stores are now offering contractor referrals. While you can often find an excellent contractor through this source, keep in mind that you are generally limited to those companies that buy their building materials at that particular home center.

2. Look for a company that specializes in the type of work you are planning. Would you go to a heart surgeon to fix a toothache? Of course not! Similarly, you should find a contractor with expertise in the type of project you have in mind. For example, if a new roof is in your plans, contact a roofing contractor - not a carpenter. If you need new replacement windows, turn to a window company. A specialist will have knowledge and experience that can save you time and money.

3. Interview prospective contractors before you hire them. Make an appointment to meet with the contractor to discuss your project. Most reputable firms will have a sales representative willing to come to your home and talk about your plans. Or, if the firm is small, the owner might be available. Take the time to get comfortable with your contractor.

4. Ask questions! You need to know as much as possible about what will occur before, during and after construction. Keep an ear open for evasiveness or vague answers to your questions. If you feel a contractor is trying to hide something from you, you are probably right. Here are the key questions to ask – and why you should ask them:

5. Get a firm installation schedule. Don’t accept verbal promises or fuzzy timetables. A reputable contractor will have a very carefully structured schedule and be able to tell you (with certain allowances) when the workwill be done. Use this schedule to determine if your project is receiving the attention it deserves from the contractor.

6. Set a firm payment schedule. While a set schedule of payments would appear to be of greater concern to the contractor, it should also be of equal importance to the homeowner. If a contractor insists on 100% payment in advance, beware! You may never see him again. Typically, a project will require a down payment of one-third to one-half of the estimated project cost, with the balance due upon completion. Financing your project through the contractor, or through your bank, credit union or finance company, offers more flexibility on your part.

7. Be available when the work is being done. Unless your home will be totally uninhabitable, don’t plan on being absent during construction. Let the contractor know that you will be on hand to make sure work starts on time in the morning, and that the site is clean and “buttoned down” at night. While you don’t want to be a pest, you do have a right to know what is happening in your home and your presence will have a positive influence on the work at hand.

Be cautious and prudent when dealing with any home improvement contractor. You are about to make a substantial investment. Make certain your work will be guaranteed, and that the company has the means to back up that guarantee.It is your right – and your responsibility as a consumer – to be sure you are dealing with a reputable, solid and trustworthy company.

Tens of thousands of your neighbors across New England will make improvements to their homes this year. In almost every case, the result will be a more comfortable, more attractive and more valuable home. Make sure your home improvement project turns out equally well. Be sure to use this collection of tips to locate a firm you can trust for help with your next home improvement project, and good luck!

Nicholas Cogliani is president of NEWPRO, a Woburn, MA-based company that manufactures, markets and installs replacement windows,vinyl siding and doors.