In far too many cases when a storm hits, houses, apartments, offices, barns, silos and other buildings are severely damaged - damaged beyond a simple "get out the broom and vacuum" type cleanups. These serious situations create serious scam opportunities for so-called "storm chasers."

Before you hire a contractor - at any time - keep these tips in mind.

1)In the area. Be extra cautious with contractors who knock on the door after a storm because they were "in the area." Unscrupulous operators often cross over state lines in order to take advantage of desperate and sometimes displaced property owners.

2) Better Business Bureau. Check with the BBB. You'll find reviews of thousands of contractors-good and bad-across the US. While on the organization's website (http://www.bbb.org)/ search by city or ZIP code to find reliable contractors in your area. BBB accreditation requires that a business make a good faith effort to resolve disputes.

3) Ask for referrals. Check with friends, neighbors and co-workers for contractor referrals. Local trade organizations are also a good source for names of members in your area. You can also get a list of reputable contractors from your insurance agent.

4) Licenses. When interviewing contractors (interview at least three), ask to see identification including two licenses (driver's and contractor's) and written proof that the company is insured and bonded. (If the contractor does not have liability and workers' compensation insurance you could be at risk for liability if the contractor or his workers have an accident on the job.) Also note the primary contractor's license plate number. Make a copy or write down all of this information.

5) References. Ask each potential contractor for three references and take the time to telephone each one. Do not rely only on email communication. You want to have an in depth conversation in which you ask when the work was done (it should have been within the last year or two), was it completed on time, did it come in within budget, would you use this contractor again and finally, what one thing were you disappointed in.

6) Subcontracting. Find out whether or not the contractor will be subcontracting the job or relying on his/her own employees.

7) Red flags. Beware of any contractor who uses high-pressure sales tactics, rushes a decision by stating that this is a low one-time offer, requires full payment upfront, insists that you get the necessary permits and drives an unmarked truck.

8) Get it in ink. This includes the bid, what it covers, estimated date of completion, price of materials and labor and payment schedule. Look for provisions regarding liens, warranties and/or guarantees. Walk away from low-ball estimates that could balloon over time or foreshadow shoddy work to come. And, insist that the price cover cleanup and waste disposal.

Note: Anything discussed verbally should appear in the written contract.

9) Talk to you insurance agent. Review what's really needed in terms of repairs. Don't let a contractor talk you into "extra" work.

10) Keep receipts. And pay with checks or credit cards to create a record of your payments. Never pay with cash.

11) Don't sign a contract that has blanks in it. These could be filled in by a crooked contractor after you sign the document.

Bottom Line: Report suspected fraud. In addition to contacting local authorities, your BBB and your insurance company, call the National Insurance Crime Bureau's hotline: 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422).

A Heating & Cooling Contractor...

If you need to install a heating and cooling system (due to or not due to an emergency), bear in mind that this is one of the largest purchases homeowners make. So:

Know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also tell the contractor about any uncomfortable rooms. These details will help potential contractors more fully understand your needs.

Consider using Energy Star products (http://www.energystar.gov)/. These not only meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency but they also offer long-term energy savings.

TIP: A good contractor is one who can show you savings calculations for Energy Star heating and cooling equipment.

            - Nancy Dunnan: NDunnan@aol.com