Did you know you should go check out the contractor's previous work? Licensed contractor Skip Bedell of Spike TV's "Catch a Contractor" offers his tips to avoid hiring someone who will do shoddy work.

Essential questions homeowners should ask before hiring a contractor to avoid surprises, protect their investment and keep projects on time and on budget.

Homeownership comes with many financial and emotional benefits. But wow, can it be a major hassle, particularly if you choose a fixer-upper. No matter the case, there's a good chance you'll need to ...