- The company cannot be

found in the telephone book, is not listed with the local Better Business

Bureau, or with a local trade association, such as NARI.

- The contractor does

not offer, inform or extend notice of your right to cancel the contract

within three days. Law requires notification in writing of your "Right

of Recision". This grace period allows you to change your mind and

declare the contract null and void without penalty (if the agreement was

solicited at some place other than the contractor's place of business

or appropriate trade premises-in your home, for instance.)

- You are given vague

or reluctant answers or your questions are not answered to your satisfaction.

In addition, avoid contractors

who exhibit poor communication skills, are impatient and do not listen

to you, or situations in which the contractor is not accessible. �Your

needs as the homeowner should be addressed, not just the work at hand.

�Your contractor should also present examples of previous projects if

asked, along with references. �Don't hesitate to call those references

- a reputable contractor will be happy you did.

NARI is a professional association

whose member companies voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics.

�Consumers can search www.RemodelToday.com to find a remodeler who is

a member of NARI.

For more information about

finding a qualified remodeling professional, consumers can call the NARI

National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI's

brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling Professional," or visit

www.RemodelToday.com and download the brochure - click on the homeowners

guide for more information.

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