Ask any homeowner: Having work done to your home, from simple repairs to major projects, can be frustrating and costly. The best way to make the experience as painless as possible is to do your homework first and shop around before hiring a contractor or signing a contract.
With help from the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, Pinellas County Justice and Consumer Services, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and Hillsborough County Consumer Protection, here are Action's tips on hiring a contractor.
Though Florida has many honest, capable contractors, it also has some who are not and, unfortunately, their victims are often the elderly and those least able to afford costly mistakes. The experts say that following these guidelines can help you tell the good guys from the bad.Read More +
Get recommendations from your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Ask and check references, and do not be pressured into making a quick decision.
make sure that contracts and business cards include a physical address, phone number and contractor license number. Be wary or dealing with anyone who solicits work at your door especially if they offer to do work inexpensively because they have materials "left over" from a job. Likewise, be wary of offers for free work or jobs at reduced prices; they are often just a way to get in your door and pressure you to have additional high-priced work done.
Check with your local building department or licensing board for licensing requirements, and make sure that any contractor you hire is licensed to do the kind of work to be performed. Remember that not all counties have licensing boards and not all counties license the same trades. Ask whether the contractor or company has a pattern of unresolved complaints. Call the Citrus County Building Division, license inspector, (352) 527-5349; the Hernando County Development Department, contractor licensing, (352)754-4109; the Hillsborough County Development services Division, (813) 635-7308.(813)635-7309,(813)635-7300 or(813)635-7312; Pasco County Building Development, contractor licensing,(727)847-8009; or the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board, (727)536-4720.
Even better than calling, however, is to look at the contractor's file. That way you can get the details of complaints that have been filed and the way the complaints were handled. You also can check courthouse records for lawsuits that may have been filed.
Check the complaint history or the contractor or company with the area office of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (813)554-2229 in Tampa. Also check with your local consumer protection agency; Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency, (813)903-3430; Pasco County Consumer Affairs,(727) 847-8106; Pinellas County Justice and Consumer Services, (727)464-6200. Also the Better Business Bureau of West Florida at (727) 535-5522 in Clearwater or (ww.bbbwestflorida.org).
