In many of my columns, I focus on legislative updates and the progress of bills that could be important in your daily lives. This is an important service, and I consider it one of the two most essential aspects of my job. The other major component of my job is the valuable constituent service that my staff and I can provide.

This month, as a constituent service, I would like to make you aware of possible scams that could land on your doorstep this spring.

It's the time of year when we all look around and see what home improvements we'd like to make now that winter is behind us.

There are times when these repairs and projects are larger than we expect and require the work of a contractor. Hiring a contractor can be daunting, especially if it's the first time you've ever hired someone to do significant work for you, or if you are new to an area and aren't familiar with local contractors or their work.

Here are some tips to help you hire a contractor to do home improvements, and to avoid potential problems:

n Avoid unsolicited, traveling contractors who come to your home and point out specific problems you haven't noticed yourself.

n Avoid contractors who arrive in an unmarked truck or van and refuse to provide proof of insurance and references when requested.

n Avoid contractors who make claims, such as, "I've just done a job nearby and have some material left over, so I can give you a great deal on the job."

n Avoid contractors who do not have a business card or a local phone number and street address. Contracting businesses should have a physical address, not just a post office box.

n Avoid contractors who make special or limited-price offers.

Finding a legitimate, responsible contractor is only half the job. You also want to make sure the contract you sign before any work begins includes some very specific information. Before signing, review the contract and make sure it includes the following:

n A start and finish date for the work and a three-day-right-to-cancel notice.

n The type, quality and warranty of materials to be used on the job and an outline all of the financial terms and payment schedules. Do not pay for an entire job up front. Include a penalty clause in the contract for failure to complete work on time.

n A complete description of the work to be done and a guarantee that old materials and debris will be removed from the property. Insist that the workplace remains clean and safe for the duration of the project.

n Require the contractor to ensure that all necessary permits are secured and that the contractor has proper liability and compensation insurance. Contact your local building codes officer if you have questions or if you have concerns regarding the quality of work performed.

'Finally, another rule of thumb is to shop around and get at least three written estimates for the same work before selecting a contractor. A small amount of research can eliminate big problems when hiring a contractor to perform home-improvement projects.

For additional information on selecting a home-improvement contractor or to report a fraudulent contractor, call the attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or visit www.attorneygeneral.gov.

As always, please contact me about this issue or any state-related concern by calling my Coraopolis office at 412-264-4260 or by sending me an e-mail through my Web site: www.pahouse.com/kotik