You can tell it's spring when your mailbox is flooded with home improvement coupons, repair people come to your door knocking with incredible offers, and the nightly news features elderly couples ripped off by fly-by-night contractors! And yes, there really is "film at 11."

It's the time of year to remember the homeowner's motto. When it comes to home improvement companies and services, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!"

Here are some "red flags" to check before working with a home repair or services company:

Be wary of offers that are available for an unrealistically short period of time.

Tight time pressures leave you little or no time to adequately check out the company or its references. Reputable companies who rely on repeat business and homeowner referrals know the value of personal references and would welcome extending you the time to check them out.

Check the company's licensing and credentials.

Ask to see a contractor's license (if applicable), verification of worker's compensation policies, as well as proof of liability insurance coverage. It's a good idea to call the insurance company to see if the policy is still in force. Without such coverage you could face enormous costs if a worker is injured or claims an injury.

For big projects, ask for proof that the company is bonded and financially stable. Checking bank references is not out of the ordinary. Why do this? A builder or contractor with poor finances may not be able to complete your project.

Check out the company with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The local BBB can tell you if there's anything derogatory about the company in their files. If the company has recently come from another locale, call the BBB in that area.

Be cautious here. Contracting is complex and a large company is likely to have more complaints than a small one. The question that becomes important is not so much whether there have been complaints, but how they have been settled.

Be cautious working with a company who only provides references for out-of-town work.

If they have no local phone number other than the motel down the street you can figure that warranty work is going to be awfully tough to finish. Your best bet is to speak directly to others who have recently used the company. Seeing yard signs announcing that "Acme-Rocknoid Concrete recently repaired this driveway" is weak at best because unscrupulous companies actually pay equally unscrupulous homeowners to place advertising signs in their yards.

Run, don't walk, away from companies that demand all cash up front or even a hefty deposit.

Legitimate companies won't demand to be paid in full prior to rendering a service. If they say that it's to cover the purchase of materials and/or supplies, ask if you want to do business with a company who's so financially unstable.

Be wary if the time for completing the job seems unrealistically short or long.

If you've done your homework and secured a minimum of three bids for minor jobs, and six bids for major work, you'll have a fair idea time requirements.

No less important, speaking with a number of contractors, checking references, and comparing materials will be an educational experience, one that will go a long way toward protecting both your pocketbook and your peace of mind.