How do I know I am hiring a qualified contractor?

We have all heard the stories about Homeowners that hire a Contractor for a project, confident they have made a good selection. The project starts on time and there is plenty of communication, work is going well, and then…the problems start. Work stops, phone calls are not answered, messages are not returned, and subcontractors are calling demanding to be paid. How could this happen? Hiring a qualified contractor can be a very daunting task. How do you know if the contractor you are about to hire is qualified to do the necessary work? Unfortunately, only 24 states currently require a residential builder or contractor to have a license; some only require contractors to register with the state in an effort to manage the classification of workers. Some states have no regulations at all. More states are likely to add a two-part testing system—similar to California’s— to qualify contractors based on their technical knowledge. These programs will not be instituted until the economy improves to support the programs’ administrative costs.
Do your homework - refer to contractors-license.org or the state license board to find if a contractor is licensed and the state license requirements. It is so important to verify that the company has registered to operate in that state. Builder associations that provide certifications can also be helpful.
For example:
• A contractor that does restoration work would
Likely have numerous certifications from the IICR (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration).
• A contractor that focuses on remodeling may
C O N S T R U C T I O N O V E R V I E W A N D D A T A E X C H A N G E
Helpful tips to make sure your contractor measures up:
• Get at least three bids
• Get three references and go see their work in person
• Confirm that the contractor has worker’s compensation for employees
• Never pay more than 10% down; do not pay cash
• Do not make final payment until you are satisfied with the work doing research at the state and the local level as well as with industry associations to find licenses and certifications and following our helpful hints will go a long way to ensuring a successful project.

Additional resources: CLSI (Contractor’s Licensing Service, Inc.) clsi.com NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) nari.org NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) nahb.com
Local BBB (Better Business Bureau)

Jerry


Jerry Szeszulski (shoe shell ski)
We Take A Personal Interest~ Protecting What You Value Most:
office 918-254-2578 x227 fax 918-254-2580
Visit our website at: http://tulsahomeauto.com/