Hiring a Contractor?
Here Are
Some Tips For You:
While the vast majority of
contractors are reputable, home
improvements and repairs can pose
many difficult problems and
potentially lead to complaints for
consumers.
The general guidelines and cautions
contained on this page can assist
consumers and should be considered
when engaging contractors.
-
First, check to
see if your contractor is
licensed by calling the
Department of Business and
Professional Regulation, at
(954) 917-1330, or checking at
the Department of Business and
Professional Regulation web site
on our
"Links Page."
-
Ask if your
contractor has any unresolved
complaints that have been filed
against him/her and if the
license has been revoked or
suspended.
-
Following your
background check, you should:
-
Ask your
contractor for references
-
Check out
work done by your contractor
with persons for whom he/she
has previously performed
work
-
Ask how long
your contractor has been in
the business
-
Check with
local suppliers on your
contractor’s reputation
-
Check the
status of the contractor
with the Better Business
Bureau of Central Florida at
(407) 621-3300.
Which Contractor
Should I Select?
-
Have several contractors provide you
a written estimate of what you want
done, specifying such items as the
quality and type of materials.
-
Obtain detailed estimates from all
contractors for material
specifications, how long the job
will take to finish and the total
cost.
-
Be suspicious of a contractor who
offers the fastest, cheapest job on
a "you must act now" basis. This may
be an indication of inferior
materials and unfinished jobs or
jobs taking too long to complete.
-
Get the proposal, contract or
agreement, in writing.
-
Be wary if you are asked to obtain
the building permit.
-
A
licensed contractor who is in good
standing, will always obtain the
permit.
-
Obtain a current copy of the
contractor's insurances, including
workman's compensation, property
damage and liability. Read them
carefully, including the fine print.
-
If you don't understand the
contract, seek help such as from an
attorney.
The Contract Should Include
The Following:
-
Contractor's
name, address, telephone number
and the State Contractor's
license number.
-
Detail of
quality, types of material and a
detailed description of the work
to be done.
-
The completion
date of the work to be performed
and a payment schedule.
-
A notarized
Release of Lien will be provided
to the customer by the
contractor, subcontractors and
suppliers of materials attesting
that the contractor has paid all
subcontractors and suppliers of
materials for their services up
to any payment being paid.
-
The contractor
will obtain all necessary
building permits.
Warning!!
-
Avoid any contractor who requires
large advance payments.
-
Arrange to pay the contractor after
the work is completed and according
to a payment schedule.
-
The payments should reflect
approximately, the work that has
been done.
-
Avoid paying in cash. Payment by
check will be a record of your
payment.
-
Make all payments by check to the
company contracted to do the work,
not to "cash" or a person's name.
-
Do not sign a completion certificate
unless all the work is completed
according to contract, your
satisfaction and an approved, final
inspection has been performed by the
Building/Fire Safety Division or
your jurisdictional building
department.
-
If your contract exceeds $2,500.00,
a Notice of Commencement must be
filed by the homeowner or
contractor. Your failure to record a
Notice of Commencement may result in
your paying twice for improvements
to your property. If you intend to
obtain financing, consult with your
lender or an attorney before
recording your Notice of
Commencement. A recorded copy of the
Notice of Commencement must be
posted at the job-site.
How To File A Complaint
Against A Licensed Contractor
To file a complaint against any
contractor licensed by the State of
Florida, call
(954) 917-1330 or visit www.myflorida.com/dbpr
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