Homeowner Beware: Unlicensed and Uninsured

Need a handyman?

Need a palm tree trimmed?

Yeah, I know a guy…

This is all too common in the state of Florida and in our neighborhood. It is our job, as a board, to guide homeowner’s into making the best decisions for whatever project you are looking to have done.

Licensed and insured?

It’s an important question for any homeowner looking to hire anyone to do a project. Whether you’re pressure cleaning your roof, trimming a palm, planning on renovating your home, or anything in between, it’s essential to work with an expert who is qualified and has the correct credentials. That way, you can ensure that there are no surprises once the project has finished. Experts will charge differently depending on what type of work is being done and how long it takes to complete. As such, do your research beforehand to see what exactly these professionals charge for their services. Furthermore, make sure they have the appropriate documentation before agreeing to proceed with any contracts or negotiations. 

Licensed Contractors

One of the biggest indicators of a reputable contractor is whether or not they are licensed. State governments license contractors to ensure that they meet certain standards. There are different types of licenses that contractors can get, depending on the type of work they specialize in. For example, you can find residential contractors who specialize in pressure cleaning or kitchen remodeling. A license is proof that a contractor is qualified to work in their given field. It also means that they have met certain standards that have been set by the State of Florida. You can find a contractor’s license number on their website or on their business card. You can also call Lee County’s Contractor Licensing Board at 239-533-8895 and ask them to look up a contractor’s license. Or, you may look it up yourself by clicking here.

If a contractor doesn’t have a license, stay away from them. Unlicensed contractors are likely to be unqualified and unable to meet government standards and you will have NO recourse if something goes wrong.

Registered Contractors

A registered contractor is one who has been registered with the state’s Contractor’s Licensing Board. To appear on this list, a contractor must have a current Certificate of Insurance for liability and workers’ compensation on file with the Contractor Licensing department and/or a current workers’ compensation exemption status with the State of Florida.

Just as with license numbers, you can find a contractor’s registration number on their website or business card. You can also call Florida’s Board and ask them to look up a contractor’s registration.

Insured Contractors

As mentioned, one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a contractor is whether or not they are insured. This means that they have the proper insurance coverage in case something goes wrong. This can include shoddy workmanship, property damage, or an accident that happens on the job. One thing to note is that insurance is different from licensing and certification. You can have all of these but still not be covered in the instance of something going wrong. When hiring a contractor, make sure they have the appropriate insurance. Ask to see proof of their policy. If they don’t have the right amount of coverage, they might be putting themselves at risk. This could be a red flag.

Check References and Reputation

One way to ensure that a contractor is trustworthy is to check their reputation. Take the time to look up reviews, testimonials, and references. You can do this by asking past clients for their feedback. You can also look up a contractor’s name online. On the state’s Contractor’s Licensing Board website, you can look up a contractor’s history. The Board will have records of complaints and violations. In addition, make sure that the contractor is properly insured, licensed, and registered. This will protect you as a homeowner if anything goes wrong during the project.

Conclusion

When it comes to hiring a contractor of any kind, you want to make sure that you find the right person for the job. Remember, it’s not just about price. Instead, you want to look for expertise, quality, and a reputation for completing projects successfully. In addition, make sure that you hire a contractor who is licensed, registered, and insured. This will protect you, your investment, and your home in the event of any issues.