You've made countless trips to the huge home improvement warehouse to gather ideas. You've researched projects in magazines and on the Internet. And you've summoned the opinions of family and friends. It's finally time to begin working on that project you've been thinking about for months.
      Whether your goal is to increase energy efficiency, bring your 1970s-décor kitchen into the new century, or add some much-needed space, you'll face the crucial question of whether to join the ranks of the do-it-yourselfer or hire a general contractor to handle your job.
      With so many classes offered by the home improvement stores and extensive guidance available on the Internet, embarking on a project on your own is often enticing. And the numbers prove that more people are pursuing home improvement projects - Home Depot's 2001 fourth-quarter earnings skyrocketed 53 percent over the prior year. Lowe's profits soared 55 percent.

     Once you're in the process of escrow and you know your closing date, you'll need to start thinking about the actual move. You know your budget, how much stuff you have, and how far you have to travel. So the question is whether you want to pack and move yourself or hire a professional moving company.
      If you decide to hire a moving company, it can be nerve-racking trying to find someone you can entrust with your houseful of valuables. But once you do, it's one less thing you have to worry about during this hectic period.
      Be sure you give yourself enough time to choose a mover. Consumer Reports recommends allowing six to eight weeks, especially if you're moving during the summer months - the busiest time of the year for moving companies. The American Moving and Storage Association says some companies offer discounts between October and April - the slow months.
      But where should you start? Some of the things you'll want to consider as you select a professional moving company include: