Helpful Tips

Homeowners & Construction

• No license number and/or business address on the vehicle, business card, contract, newspaper/flyer or page ad.
• A large down payment is required before work begins or many requests are made for money during the early phases of construction.
• Contractor displays only an “occupational license” which is required in addition to a Certificate of Competency.
• Permit is obtained by someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work or you’re informed that the job does not require a permit or inspection.
• The contractor is only willing to work on weekends or after hours, and/or is not willing to put all terms in writing, verbal contract only.
• The contractor does not have proof of General Liability or Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

You Can Help Yourself!

• 1. Call to obtain a second bid for the work done.
• 2. Require references and call to verify those references.
• 3. Call the D.B.P.R. to confirm that your builders are legitimate contractors.

Did You Know ...

• If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you may actually pay twice as much or more for the job than if you had hired a licensed contractor.
• If you pull a permit for an unlicensed contractor, you are held responsible for the work, not the contractor.
• If the unlicensed contractor fails to pay his sub-contractors or suppliers, you may be required to pay them, even though you have already paid the contractor.
• Plumbing, electrical, and heating & air conditioning work must be done only by contractors and craftsmen certified in those trades and require separate permits.
• You may be held liable for injury on your property if the unlicensed contractor has no insurance or Workman’s Comp.