Use Caution When You Need Construction
Beware
Florida homeowners, when it comes to hiring a contractor for home improvements, construction projects, remodeling, installing doors, installing windows, bathroom remodels, new kitchen cabinets, and a job a simple as hurricane shutter installation, this industry is notorious for scams and con artist who see you as a financial opportunity and can leave you with a timely and costly mess!
Watch for the "con" in construction
Con artist are conducting scams everyday in the construction industry. These cons will fool you and come in many different disguises. Some look like professionals-- they talk the talk, drive fancy cars, act like your friend, tell you how much money they can save you, and make you promises of unrealistic low prices to close a deal. These cons will often prey on the elderly and the fact that you do not know this information!
Use caution when hiring from the classifieds
The classifieds are loaded with home improvement services and the one thing most ads have in common is three words, "Licensed and Insured."
What does "licensed and insured" really mean in
construction?
The contractor has earned a contractor's license and carries the required and necessary insurance.
- If you don't see a contractor license number, you may be dealing with an unlicensed company.
- My experience with "Licensed and Insured" is when asked to produce the contractor license, he or she produces their Occupational Tax Receipt (formally called a LICENSE).
- An Occupational Tax is a business tax.
The State of Florida requires all licensed trades to include their license number on all printed materials. Look for it in the advertisement, business card, contract, proposal, etc.
Hiring a handyman for home improvement projects
Handyman cannot do electrical work, plumbing, remove or build walls, change-out doors and windows, install hurricane shutters, etc.
The State of Florida does not issue a license for handymen. For more information about restrictions on a handyman check out our new "Handyman Rules" page.
How to avoid other typical problems when looking for a contractor
Don't accept a special offer for today only
If you are approached with a special offer for "today only," don't do it! You have to remember that if is sounds too good to be true it probably is!
Don't assume you have a building permit
When work starts without a permit your building department will stop your job. Always make sure you see the permit posted!! Don't ever assume anything when it comes to construction.
Consider hiring an attorney to review your home improvement
contract
Before signing a contract you may want to consider having an attorney review it, especially for large projects. If you don't understand what you are signing -- don't sign it!
Don't hire unlicensed contractors
A
stop work order/redtag will be placed on your property when
you hire unlicensed contractors to do work that requires
permits. You will need a licensed contractor to fix this
problem and be prepared to pay double permitting fees.
Depending on the amount and type of work that was done, you
may need other professionals. These could be: engineers,
licensed contractors, electricians, plumbers, heating and
cooling/mechanical contractors, etc.
Don't want to hear
The work that was done by the unlicensed contractor was done incorrectly and will have to be redone-- all of it! Remember the unlicensed contractor is not licensed for a reason! Remember the characteristics of "The Bad and the Ugly" contractors! Be prepared to spend more time, more money and deal with a bit more stress!
Red flags to watch for when looking for a contractor for home repairs, click here.
GOOGLE YOUR CONTRACTOR