should I hire unlicensed contractor for my kitchen and bathroom remodeling?
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at
3:07 pm
wants to replace old cabinets, install marble counter toff, install recess lighting, and remodel the bathrooms.
Licensing is not an indicator of quality work, but licensing does serve an important legal function. Most states have laws that protect a consumer IF the contractor is licensed and insured.
We all know excellent handymen or carpenters who work on the side. But, if they damage your home or burn it down, you may be in a financial pickle.
Check out the laws in your state, and check with your homeowner's insurance, too.
Filed under: Bathroom Remodeling
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Absolutely not!!!
References :
no no no no no no … does he has reference? have you seen his work ? where did you find him?
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If the contractor is unlicensed, you will have no recourse in the (often likely) event that the work does not get done as planned/requested.
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If you think this person will do a good job, I say why not? My wife and I have a guy we know that does all that sort of work for us. I don’t know if he’s licensed, and I don’t really care. He does excellent work and charges me a reasonable price.
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Trust an unlicensed contractor with that stuff??? No way!!! The reason contractors don’t get licensed here is so they can’t be held accountable in a court of law when a customer has a complaint. I really wouldn’t risk it at all. Ask him for a bid and tell him you will get back to him. If you are interested in still using him, ask why he doesn’t have a license, and if you can see pictures or get references for examples of his work.Your home is too important to trust to a non-professional.
References :
Depends on references and feeling of trust. If you know others that have used him and like the work, go for it. Cannnot emphasize good references enough (preferably ones you know). As others have stated, proceed at your own risk. Many times, unlicensed contractors could be part of a contract crew making money in their spare time, or people who have lots of experience with this sort of thing looking for extra income. Unlicensed doesn’t always mean untalented or untrustworthy, but is risky. Example: my father has done many unlicensed contract jobs (no trade schooling, just 40+ years experienced do-it-yourselfer), and I have joined him in the projects many times. Both he and I work incredibly hard to get the best result for a client, and he gets repeat business from the same clients all the time. But there are those out to make a quick buck with no interest in crastmanship. References and Trust a must!!! No Trust, no job!!
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Father an unlicensed contractor in spare time, done many unlicensed contract jobs together
Licensing is not an indicator of quality work, but licensing does serve an important legal function. Most states have laws that protect a consumer IF the contractor is licensed and insured.
We all know excellent handymen or carpenters who work on the side. But, if they damage your home or burn it down, you may be in a financial pickle.
Check out the laws in your state, and check with your homeowner’s insurance, too.
References :
Always hire a licensed contractor. The price is the same anyways. Well, sometimes almost. But, not all contractors have insurance. With a licensed contractor, he has insurance through his license if he doesnt have insurance on his own. That keeps you from getting in trouble. If he screws up and doesnt have a license, you can sue and still lose.
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