SEATTLE – It doesn't matter if you're remodeling your home, having one built or just getting new windows. You can be taken.

Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between building a dream and living a nightmare.

But there are some concrete steps you can take to protect yourself and there are many red flags some people miss. KING 5 Investigators asked three experts to share their knowledge.

Home-remodeler Joe Ratto teaches classes for the Master Builders Association. Doug Walsh handles consumer complaints for the state Attorney General's Office. And Shari Purves-Reiter does consumer outreach for the Department of Labor and Industries.

They agree: You have to investigate your contractor, because no one else is doing it.

"There's no test, no background checks, there's nothing done to become a contractor," said Purves-Reiter.

Linda Byron: "Could I walk in today and become a contractor?"

Purves-Reiter: "Yes you could."

Linda Byron: "I have no experience

Purves-Reiter: "There's no experience required to become a contractor."

Contractors are required to register, get insurance and put up a bond. But don't be fooled. The insurance is basically a liability policy protecting property damage or injury.

Linday Byron: "It doesn't mean my job will get finished?"

Purves-Reiter: "No it does not."

Linda Byron: "Or my job's insured?"

Purves-Reiter: "No it does not."

The bond is supposed to be your protection. But it often falls woefully short. The most a contractor has to put down is $12,000 – even on a half million dollar job.

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Shari Purves Reiter says no experience is necessary to become a contractor.

"It gives you a very small amount of protection honestly … considering what most home remodeling jobs are these days," Purves-Reiter said.

And there's no guarantee it will be there if you need it. Justin Williams tried to collect a bond when his contractor skipped out. But other victims got there first.

"It's a small protection and it's not easy to get," Purves Reiter said.

To really protect yourself you have to do your homework. That means a lot more than just getting three bids and references. Interview prospective contractors; then do background checks. You can do it online or on the phone.

Run through Labor and Industries. Check with the Attorney General's Office. Google them.

If Suzanne Vineyard of Seattle had done that, or the Mitchells of Eatonville had, they would never have paid Earl Brischle thousand of dollars for new gutters. They would have discovered that years ago, Brischle was sued by the Attorney General's Office for consumer fraud – and he was exposed by the KING 5 Investigators.

Joe Ratto: "People are far too trusting. I think they need to do a more thorough investigation."

Linda Byron: "You're saying investigate your contractor."

Joe Ratto: "Absolutely. And a good contractor is not going to have a problem with that."

A good investigation doesn't take shortcuts. Justin Williams picked his contractor through an online referral service.

"And via the Web site I was able to see that he did have a business license and the Web site told me he was bonded," Williams said.

Actually contractor Craig Hoffman was suspended seven months earlier – it was right there on the Labor and Industries Web site.

The McDugles and the Duncans picked their sunroom contractor at home shows. They didn't know Lavern Poston was a convicted felon. But they wish they'd said no when he asked for 70 percent up front for materials.

"I would not write a check for more than 10 to 25 percent because you want most of the money to be held back based on performance," Walsh said.

Naomi Smith should have said "no" when Sione Taufa offered her a special deal since he was already working in the neighborhood.

"Those are absolutely typical scams," Walsh said. "Flim flam ... run and hide!"

Joe Ratto has heard plenty of horror stories from consumers who don't know the red flags.

"Guy says, I have extra materials … I can give you a good deal: Pass!" he said. "Flyer on the mailbox – 30 percent off today? That's a push and an arm twist. Pass."

And even if your job goes well, don't write your final check until you get lien releases from all sub contractors and suppliers. Because if they haven't been paid, you are on the hook.

Linda: "You could get stuck?"

Purves-Reiter: "Yes you could."

Linda Byron: "How much?"

Purves-Reiter: "As much as supplies, labor. The whole contract."