When your remodeling project costs nearly as much as a new car or two, it may make more sense to hire a professional rather than trying to do the job yourself. While most licensed contractors are honest, competent, diligent, and financially responsible, there are still many stories of terrible remodeling jobs involving the inconvenience of dust and noise, projects that extend long beyond the agreed time, or unusually high costs for small projects.
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What to Look for in a Licensed Contractor
Just because a contractor is licensed does not guarantee that their work will be satisfactory. Here are a few tips to help you find the right licensed contractor:
Check the Contractor’s License
There are dozens of different types of contractor licenses, from general building contractors to specialty contractors. The former usually oversee projects and coordinate different subcontractors to handle different elements of the project. Specialty contractors, also known as subcontractors, are usually hired to perform a single job in their field of expertise. General contractors may also hold a specialty license for a certain type of job, in which case they can perform that job while outsourcing and overseeing other aspects of the project.
For instance, you may need a general contractor to oversee a bathroom remodel project that involves carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. To update your roof, you need a contractor who specializes in roofing.
Seek Recommendations
Once you know the type of licensed contractor you want for your project, you should seek out personal recommendations from colleagues, friends, relatives, or neighbors who recently had the same type of work completed with no problems.
Check the References
If you approach the contractor directly, ask for local references and get in touch with them to see if they were satisfied with the contractor’s work. Reputable contractors always take pride in their work.
Final Note
Keep in mind that licensed contractors are subject to laws that protect the consumer. In fact, unlicensed contracting is unlawful. If you work with a contractor who does not hold a license and have a complaint about that person – due to dishonest or improper conduct – then the Board of Contractors may not intervene in your case, leaving you with few options to deal with an unprofessional and unlicensed contractor.
So always make sure that the contractor is properly licensed to perform the work you want.