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Hire a licensed contractor because...
Your home is your castle, your shelter, and probably the biggest investment you will ever make. You want to take good care of it and protect it. No doubt, it is this sentiment that has led you to undertake a restoration or renovation project. So, why risk your home and financial security by using an unlicensed contractor?
A contractor is a home service, repair, remodel, or building professional. The legal licensing requirements of these professionals were designed for your protection. If you choose an unlicensed contractor, you are not only breaking the law, you are forfeiting the protections provided by that law.
What do you get when you hire a professional, licensed contractor?
RELIABILITY - Scam artists, and those who just picking up occasional odd jobs are unlikely to take the time of attaining a license. A serious, qualified professional, on the other hand, considers it essential.
PEACE OF MIND - You know the contractor has the approval of the provisional licensing agency, which often includes a criminal background check. They are also answerable to this agency, giving you a course of action if you need to file a complaint. With unlicensed contractors, the homeowner has few, if any, options when things go wrong.
PROTECTION - Licensed contractors are typically insured. It's important to verify this, because if an uninsured contractor or worker is injured on your property, you could be financially liable, and subject to lawsuit.
QUALITY - Licensed professionals are held to certain standards. Because homeowners have no recourse when an unlicensed contractor performs shoddy work, there is rarely a record of complaints against them. While the license isn't a guarantee of excellent workmanship, it is the first sign of quality.
SKILLS - Not just anyone can get a contractor's license. Certain requirements such as written exams, training, experience, or aptitude testing are used to determine if the individual is qualified. On the other hand, any one with or without skills can have a flier written.
CONVENIENCE - Every industry has its own standards, and every locality has its own regulations. An established, licensed contractor is accustomed to dealing with these. They will know things like what grade of materials are needed and when a permit is required for your project. Unlicensed contractors only know how to get around standards and regulations.
INTEGRITY - You are proud of your home, and you want to be proud of the work being done on it. A contractor who takes the same kind of pride in his or her work will try to do the job right, and want to make it right if there is a mistake. They are also more likely to display fair, honest and ethical business practices. An individual or company with this kind of pride and integrity does not choose to operate outside of the law.
Renovating, repairing, remodeling, or building your home should be an exciting and rewarding experience. Nothing can turn it into a nightmare faster than hiring an unlicensed contractor.
Every year, American homeowners loose more than 25 million dollars to unlicensed contractors. Don't let yourself become one of the unfortunate victims. Verify your contractor's license and credentials today, before it's too late.
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- Warning signs of a contractor scam
- What should you look for in contracts or binding agreements?