[bbbbbb]

Hi, much is said about contractors, trade persons. So here is our take on the Villages:
1. They must be licensed and you can check on line if they are licensed, also check with Senior vs Crime, do it.
2. They must give a firm quote, not to exceed (XX) and also must give a start date and an end date.
3. They must introduce who is going to do the work, when and how many and they must start at like (8 am, work until 12 or so) it must be defined. They must continually work each day, go fishing when they are done.
NOW........... On the first day of work,,,,,,, IF they do not show, then CANCEL it now. IF they are late speak to them and be sure they are not going to get into a come shortly leave shortly and the back and forth crap. IF they are running to other jobs they will short change you! If you are talking to them about a discrepancy or shortcoming and they do not 100% get back with a positive and pleasant response? Then OK you have been here X hours, you have brought X amount of materials, that comes to the sum of $XX, I will write you a check or pay cash and I want you to NOT come back. Final, you are in charge, so take the lead and do not let them screw you around. We have had 5 good ones, excellent, and one bummer, a real jerk, dangerous. If you pay them up front or too early, you can plan on a big problem and little progress.

[Investment Painting Contractors]

I checked Sunbiz and Xcalibur is a legal state registered company.

[bbbbbb]

Yes, it appears he is operating as an LLC, but is not licensed as a contractor with the State of Fl. That should have been a warning sign to us. Hard lesson learned. By the way he threatened us and called us some very nasty names and he said he would find our shiny golf cart and rip it up and he said we better not leave anything in our driveway and that we better be sure our doors are locked at all times.
There is more but we did file a report with the Sheriff, it is on file.

[Bryan]

Some confuse the Sunbiz listing of corporations, DBAs and LLCs as a "license', it is NOT. It is just a legal registration for tax and liability purposes. Most construction trades are licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and that is where you check out to see if a contractor is licensed and for what. Many counties and towns have local licensing ordinances. The Town of Lady Lake has recently began "licensing" tree cutters is an effort to protect their live oaks. A local license is NOT a state license. There is NO Florida license for many of the mon 'n pop type businesses we see in The Villages - like landscapers, lawn services, tree trimmers, driveway pavers or painters, etc. For a more complete list, contact Seniors Vs Crime. The only really important thing not already mentioned is a Release of Lien from you contractor from all Subs and suppliers - you really need to get this. DBPR has an excellent online brochure that explains a Release of Lien - worth a read if you are contemplating a big construction job.