Remodeling your home - whether it's upgrading your kitchen, adding a bathroom or remodeling your basement - is one of the biggest investments you can make. But there are many things to consider before taking on such big projects:

• Do your homework before you hire a remodeling contractor or sign a contract to have work done.

• Check on a contractor's background with the local Better Business Bureau before having any work done.

• Talk to friends and neighbors to see if they had similar home remodeling projects done. If they did, ask whom they used, what type of work was done and if they were happy with the improvements.

• Contact contractors who do remodeling on the block or area you live in. Ask for references of people in your neighborhood they've done work for.

• Check to see whether the contractor has a professional Web site; look for trade association memberships and industry certifications.

• Depending on the size of the project, ask the contractor if he provides design-and-floor plan assistance in advance. Ask how the project is structured, what it includes and how much it costs.

• Provide contractor with as much detail of the project that you can initially and ask for a "ballpark" cost.

• Ask the remodeler's opinion if you are overimproving your home, based on where you live and surrounding homes' values. Contact a real estate agent who does business where you live and get a second opinion as well.

• If you decide to do business, ask the contractor if he has liability insurance and workmen's compensation for employees to help you avoid any potential problems as the work is being completed.

• Visit www.nari.org - the Web site for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Look for links on the site that explains how to choose a remodeler and things to consider before doing so.

Source: Steve Zimmer Remodeling and Enquirer research