For those homeowners ready to do construction remodeling on their present home, or build a new one, the heart of the entire process is the certified or licensed contractor. In many states the licensing requirements are different but almost all areas of the country require contractor licensing of some kind whether through the trade or a business license. In either case it shows to the homeowner that the person pitching the project is qualified to plan the project, purchase materials and see the job through.
Reasons for Hiring Licensed Contractors
1. Formal Record
One of the big reasons for hiring a tradesperson with a contractor's license is that there is a track record and a paper trail. Most states that require licensed contractors have readily-available records to back up or disprove and claims by someone who wants to take on your project. More and more this information is available on line so that the estimator can pull out his or her laptop and show the contractor's license and information right on the spot. Whether it's a business license or trades license there will be some sort or information available.
2. Skill
When there is a shortage of good tradespeople, as in a building boom, the level of competency seems to go down while the wait time goes up. This is because the good contractors have been spoken for and the newcomers and unlicensed contractors are filling the void. However, by saving money getting one of these people to build an addition or renovate the basement is like playing roulette. You just many get a very good contractor who likes to work “under the table.†On the other side you may get a glorified handyman who is learning how to do a kitchen or bathroom remodel on your dime.
Most plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors in the country have to take a journeyman's apprenticeship that may take as long as four or five years. Once they've worked as a journeyman for a few years they can be eligible to take a contractor's exam. This means that, in most states, this person has had at least seven years on the job before he or she can legally bid on a project. This is almost the same time as a doctor or lawyer spends on education.
3. Cost Effective
Building new and renovating a home are expensive enterprises. Every homeowner should get at least three estimates and maybe four to get a good idea on what the project actually costs. Going for the lowest bid doesn't always mean that the job will be poor, but the odds are that corners may be cut. Licensed contractors are business people otherwise they would be working for another company. They are trained to know how to estimate the cost of a home because they are up-to-date on the cost of labor and materials.
Never hire someone who wants you to pay up front for the materials. This shows that he or she does not have credit with the local suppliers and may be using the inflated costs of materials to subsidize other things that have nothing to do with your project. You may find yourself being hit with dozens of extra costs that were not in the original agreement. And it's hard to fire a contractor when half your home is ripped apart.
A good job means that every part of the project has been completed with great skill. This means that doors will open smoothly in six months time or that there will not one or two slow leaks in the pipes. This saves lots of money down the road. Because an ineffective contractor will not be as prone to come back and fix something if he or she is not around anymore.
4. Warranty
A licensed general contractor always gives a warranty for work done. If the workmanship is poor in one part he or she will see that it is fixed. Or if the problem is with faulty materials licensed general contractors will see to it that the building supply replaces the product and then has the new parts installed.
5. Dependability
A general contractors license also means that the work will be completed on time and on budget. He or she is like the captain of a ship and schedules the teams that will work on your project so that everything meshes together. If one link of this operation breaks, such as an electrician not being able to make it, the contractor always has another option to complete the project on schedule.
Whatever your project you want to be assured that it will turn out the way you dreamed it would. You don't want to be immersed in litter and dust for weeks on end while someone picks away at your dream project. This is why you have to get experience on your side. This is why you should hire a licensed contractor where possible.
For more information consult our Contractor Directory or simply post your project online and remodeling contractors will call you.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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