Legal

Here’s what you need to know, why you need to know it and the right questions to ask to find out:

Do you have a current business license and/or contractor license (if your local government laws require it)?

If they don’t, beware. A valid business license is the most crucial item for any business owner, regardless of industry. If the service provider you’re considering can’t obtain this fundamental document, you might want to consider other aspects of their business practices.

Unlicensed contractors who only work in the summer to make extra cash probably don’t invest as much in their own quality equipment as full time contractors do. Established contractors have credit accounts with their suppliers, but a non-professional may ask you to pay for his or her materials before he or she starts work. If a contractor does not pay a supplier, that supplier could come after you for payment.

Unlicensed contractors who run into problems on the job may not be experienced enough to solve them. Nothing stops them from walking away from a mess with your money. Even if they intend to be fair, cheap prices won’t allow for any warranty work months or a year from now. If you hire a company and it utilizes independent contractors, each one should have liability insurance, otherwise you might be liable for injuries or mistakes made on their part.

Do you have proof of insurance?

If you hire an uninsured contractor and he or she gets injured while working on your property, you can be responsible to pay for medical and possible rehabilitation expenses and can be sued.

A legitimate contractor should be able to show you their current worker’s compensation policy, their liability insurance and a dishonesty bond that covers you if someone steals anything from your home.

*Many local governments do not require licensing for projects under a certain dollar amount, so smaller projects may not require a licensed contractor.

Do you have letters of reference from your bank suppliers to show that bills are paid and that you are in good financial standing?

If a contractor goes out of business during your job, and they don’t pay their suppliers, you could be responsible for covering the amount. Essentially you’ll have to pay twice for work that may not have even been completed. For your protection, demand a “lien release waiver” at the end of the job.

Do you have letters of reference from past customers that I can contact?

One way to check a company’s performance is to ask past customers what their experience was like. If someone cannot give you customer references, beware.

To review what Handyman Matters’ customers are saying, click here.

Do you have a written safety program and follow safe work practice?

Ask to see the documentation. The best safe work practice is to avoid accidents altogether, so insurance does not come into play. Handyman Matters has a 53-page safety manual that you are welcome to review.