The State Bureau of Consumer Protection is warning those of you with flood or storm-damaged property to watch for questionable contractors.

The bureau's director says some will show up immediately, collect their payment and then don't show up to finish the job. Others will ask for more than the price they agreed to or even latch on to a local contractor as a sub-contractor promising a percentage of each contract.

The state doesn't license home repair contractors.

For tips on hiring contractors, call 800-422-7128.

Director of the State Bureau of Consumer Protection Jim Rabbitt advises consumers to:

- Be wary of any contractor who knocks on your door. Call the police or sheriff's department to check them out.

- Try to get a local contractor. Call consumer protection (1-800-422-7128) to check out contractors. Ask contractors if they are subcontracting your job. Be careful if local contractors are using outside subcontractors.

- Get lien waivers from anyone that you pay for home repairs. It is vital to do this because if the person collecting the money doesn't pay the supplier or workers, a lien could be put on your property. This can happen unless you have a lien waiver.

- Avoid some problems by paying for materials themselves by dealing directly with the supplier. We recommend this.

- Get a written contract-with a start and completion date-and warranty information.

- Have someone watch the work being done, if at all possible. Ask your local building inspectors to visit your job site as frequently as possible.

- Request a copy of the contractor's certificate of liability insurance.

-For tips on hiring contractors, call the toll free hotline of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: 1-800-422-7128 or by clicking on the link below.