Choosing
a contractor for your construction
project can be a little frightening
to some. So here are a few tips on
choosing a contractor:
Ask
to see their license and
call the appropriate licensing
agency (PCCLB for
county license DBPR for
state license) to verify
the status and insurance.
Ask
for and verify references
from past customers.
Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors Be sure that the estimate includes all work to be done by the contractor, the materials involved, date of completion and the total cost.
If the project is for repairing damage, check with your insyrance company first to verify that your insurance will cover the repairs before you sign a contractor. .
An
occupational license is not
sufficient in the construction
trades.
Beware
of alleged contractors who ask to be paid in cash or
ask for large payments up
front.
After
You Choose a Contractor:
Make
sure your contractor obtains
a permit and posts it on
the front of the property.
If the contractor request a final payment before
all final inspections are completed and
the permit
placard has been signed by the appropiate inspectors, request that he/she obtains all final inspections prior to your final payment. However you must abide by your contract.
Make
sure your contractor provides
you with releases of liens
from his subcontractors and
suppliers.
Signing a Contract Be certain your contract includes:
The contractors name, street address, telephone number and state or local license number.
A precise discription of the work to be completed, including a draw schedule and list of materials.
Completion date, including cleanup after work is finished.
Warranty agreements, including length, terms and recourse.
A notice of comsumers' rights under the Florida Homeownerd' Construction Recovery Fund for contrats involving general, residential and building contractors.
Read your contract carefully and personally fill in any blank spaces. Consider having an attorney review the contract. If you do not have an attorney the Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral services.
Beware
of Unlicensed Contractors:
If
you are planning to build
a new home, a room addition, add on a
second story, begin remodeling
on your home, or have work
done that requires a building
permit, take care to select
a qualified person to perform
the work. Under state and
local ordinances, any person
you hire under contract (verbal
or written) to perform construction
on your property must be
a licensed contractor. The
contractor must be state
certified or registered.
All printed advertising material
such as business cards, newspaper
ads and telephone book ads
must show his or her state
license number.
Beware
of anyone that asks you to
obtain the building permit
as an "owner/builder",
this may indicate that they
themselves are not properly
licensed to obtain the permit.
Also
beware of people that claim
that you will save quite
a bit of money by not obtaining
a permit. A permit will only
lead to compliance with the
appropriate building codes,
these are only minimum requirements.
Unlicensed
contractors do not have insurance
coverage. Any injury that
occurs on your property will
be a claim against your insurance.
If
you which to check on the
license of an individual
you can call the Pinellas
County Construction Licensing
Board at 536-4720. Additionally,
you can contact the Pinellas
County Building Department
at 464-3241.
Did
You Know
The law requires that written notice of a buyer's cancellation rights be provided
to the consumer in either a sale of future consumer services or a home solicitation
sale.
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