So you need to hire a contractor…
Healthy doses of planning and precautions almost always beat predators.
Take these precautions when hiring a contractor:
- Unless you are actually going to do the work DON’T pull your own (building) permit.
- Get references from friends.
- Check with non-profit trade associations (who use an ethics code).
- Get at least 3 written bids.
- Verify license (County or State). Note: Don’t get confused with an “Occupational License” which is only a tax and NOT a permit to operate. (As of January 2007, it is now called a “Local Business Tax” not an “Occupational License”).
-PBC County Contractor’s Certification: www.pbcgov.com/pzb/Contractors/
-Florida Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation: www.myfloridalicense.com
- Verify insurance (especially Worker’s Comp – ask for proof of actual insurance documents). You can check a company’s Worker’s Compensation coverage by going to the Florida Department of Financial Services website at: www.fldfs.com/wcapps/compliance_POC/wPages/query.asp
- Check with the Consumer Affairs Division and the Better Business Bureau.
- READ, understand contract (Remember contracts are primarily written to protect the contractor – not the customer).
- Pay required deposits by credit card (or check).
- Never pay cash (or make a check out to “cash”).
- Insist on performance clause(s):
-Under what circumstances will deposit be refunded?
-What happens if company fails to perform in specified period of time?
- Request a “waiver of lien” from the contractor BEFORE making your final payment. The waiver is a guarantee that the contractor has paid everyone and has no outstanding debt. This should prevent a supplier or sub-contractor from placing a lien against your property.
Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
50 South Military Trail, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
561-712-6600, Boca/Delray/Glades call toll free: 1-888-852-7362
www.pbcgov.com/consumer
Divisions