The Importance of a Licensed Contractor in Your Renovation

The Importance of a Licensed Contractor in Your Renovation

As you prepare for you build out, large or small, remember the importance of a licensed contractor. A licensed contractor is professional who promises accountability, quality, and protection for your build out project. While each locality has unique requirements for licensing, in most cases a licensed contractor must have insurance, be bonded, have passed the contractor’s exam, and have submitted to a criminal background check.

A Licensed Contractor Protects You and Your Investment

Hiring a licensed contract means they carry the insurance coverage needed should poor workmanship be provided or should anyone be injured on the job. Licensed contractors, in most states, are required to carry general liability insurance as well as worker’s compensation. General liability insurance covers any damage to property or injury to a person in the event of a third-party lawsuit. In most cases, the state, city, or county dictates the minimum amount a general contractor needs to carry. Licensed contractors also need to carry worker’s compensation which covers medical costs for workplace injuries for anyone working on your build out. It is always in your best interest to understand the requirements for general contractors in your area, and see proof of insurance for the contractor you choose.

The Added Safeguard of a Bonded Contractor

Bonding is required in every locality at some level. Licensed contractors must contribute to bonding, which pays you and your company, if for some reason your contractor fails to complete your build out or complete all aspects of the project properly. It also covers damages by a contractor to the property. Bonding varies from area to area, but it is nearly always a requirement, and acts as a safeguard for you, your company, and your project should your licensed contractor fall short in completing the job.

The Contractor’s Exam

In nearly every state, contractors are required to pass the contractors exam before they can be licensed. The tests are not the same everywhere, nor is the degree of difficulty, and some states even require two tests for licensing. Most question are focused on the contractor’s knowledge of best practices as well as local regulations, and some even have general business and law questions as well. There are also variations for the contractor’s specialty – that is, general building, general engineering, and specialty contractors.

You can check your contractor’s license by requesting their licensing number or going to your locality’s consumer affairs department where in most regions you can verify that a license is current and genuine. The length of time a contractor’s license is valid varies from state to state, so it is always a good idea to verify the validity of licensure.

Regulations, requirements, and licensing can vary based on state, county, or city, though the process to obtain a license is often similar. In some states, contactor licensing is managed at the state level. In other areas, contractor licensing is managed through the city and in some instances, the county government.

Added Safety with Criminal Background Checks

In most areas, contractors must undergo criminal background checks. While the criminal background check which returns with a criminal record will not preclude an individual from obtaining a contractor’s license. The locality’s licensing authority will assess the severity of the crime, evidence of successful rehabilitation, and each individual applicant’s ability to perform a contractor’s duties.

Choose the Right Licensed Contractor

At Perillo Construction, clients can be assured of expert licensed contractors ready to plan and design your build out to perfectly suit your business. The Perillo team is prepared to guide successfully though the build out process delivering a completed project with premium quality and workmanship and on time and budget.