[Richarjon]

I see no place for villagers who have hired people under the pretense that they call themselves contractors but, have no license and are not bonded. Why is there no place to inform other villagers of these rip-off people and their companies name?

[JGibson]

There is a multitude of sites including this one with contractor reviews.

I would be cautious of Nextdoor because a lot of fake users on there. They buy older members account and post like they have a long and good reputation.

Angie list and Home advisor is also good.

[mrf0151]

Never deal with a contractor that wants money up front. Reputable contractors will only ask for money once the work is done. Large addition on our house and the bill did not come until the final inspection was done. Also had our home painted last year and again the contractor did not collect until the job was complete. Be patient as you may have to wait for the good ones, but it will be worth it in the end.

[Keefelane66]

Licensed and Bonded and Insured we would loose probably over half the contractor if it were ever enforced

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Richarjon

I see no place for villagers who have hired people under the pretense that they call themselves contractors but, have no license and are not bonded. Why is there no place to inform other villagers of these rip-off people and their companies name?

If a contractor says he is licensed, just ask for his/her license number and look it up on this website:

Licensing Portal - License Search

I never insist that a contractor be insured. Any insurance they have will protect the contractor, not you. It is also very difficult to verify the amount of the insurance and if it is current.

Never pay any money in advance.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

If a contractor says he is licensed, just ask for his/her license number and look it up on this website:

Licensing Portal - License Search

I never insist that a contractor be insured. Any insurance they have will protect the contractor, not you. It is also very difficult to verify the amount of the insurance and if it is current.

Never pay any money in advance.

The insurance absolutely protects you. If a roofer is not insured, and falls off your roof onto your property, he will sue YOU for the medical bill and time out of work to recover (assuming he can recover).

If he's insured, then it's his insurance company's problem.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

The insurance absolutely protects you. If a roofer is not insured, and falls off your roof onto your property, he will sue YOU for the medical bill and time out of work to recover (assuming he can recover).

If he's insured, then it's his insurance company's problem.

I don't agree. A licensed contractor can sue anyone, but that doesn't mean he will win, unless he can prove that you were at fault. His insurance basically protects him against his liability, not your liability. Why would his insurance company pay for an injury that was your fault?

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

If a contractor says he is licensed, just ask for his/her license number and look it up on this website:

Licensing Portal - License Search

I never insist that a contractor be insured. Any insurance they have will protect the contractor, not you. It is also very difficult to verify the amount of the insurance and if it is current.

Never pay any money in advance.

Depends on the job and the contractor.

[JerryP]

Originally Posted by Richarjon

I see no place for villagers who have hired people under the pretense that they call themselves contractors but, have no license and are not bonded. Why is there no place to inform other villagers of these rip-off people and their companies name?

Seniors vs Crime

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

If a contractor says he is licensed, just ask for his/her license number and look it up on this website:

Licensing Portal - License Search

I never insist that a contractor be insured. Any insurance they have will protect the contractor, not you. It is also very difficult to verify the amount of the insurance and if it is current.

Never pay any money in advance.

They should be insured and bonded. I disagree with your thought. Also, before payment to the contractor, be sure they provide you a signed lien release if one exists.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Aces4

They should be insured and bonded. I disagree with your thought. Also, before payment to the contractor, be sure they provide you a signed lien release if one exists.

I agree with the lien release and possibly the bonding. But, my thinking on the insurance is that the contractor may have a liability policy to protect him against a mistake he may make. But, the homeowner cannot file a claim directly against a policy that is structured to cover the contractor only, especially if the contractor denies any responsibility or if the contractor disappears. It's his policy, not yours. Also, I have never seen a document that clearly proves that the contractor has paid for a specific amount of liability coverage that cannot be cancelled before the project is completed. I would agree with you if the contractor purchases a "performance" bond whereby the insurance company guarantees that a specific project will be completed or they will complete it themselves. That is what the Federal Government requires on their projects.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

I agree with the lien release and possibly the bonding. But, my thinking on the insurance is that the contractor may have a liability policy to protect him against a mistake he may make. But, the homeowner cannot file a claim directly against a policy that is structured to cover the contractor only, especially if the contractor denies any responsibility or if the contractor disappears. It's his policy, not yours. Also, I have never seen a document that clearly proves that the contractor has paid for a specific amount of liability coverage that cannot be cancelled before the project is completed. I would agree with you if the contractor purchases a "performance" bond whereby the insurance company guarantees that a specific project will be completed or they will complete it themselves. That is what the Federal Government requires on their projects.

Research online for insight as to why an insured contractor is important. If he is not a fly-by-night business, he will have insurance. If their occupation requires it, also look for licensing.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Aces4

Research online for insight as to why an insured contractor is important. If he is not a fly-by-night business, he will have insurance. If their occupation requires it, also look for licensing.

I definitely agree with hiring a contractor who is licensed.

[jswirs]

Originally Posted by Richarjon

I see no place for villagers who have hired people under the pretense that they call themselves contractors but, have no license and are not bonded. Why is there no place to inform other villagers of these rip-off people and their companies name?

Licensing, bonding and insurance for a contractor is very ambiguous. Depends on the amount of insurance, and exactly what the insurance covers. I was a contractor, with insurance which, at that time, allowed me to do INCIDENTAL, plumbing, electrical, etc. It's difficult to make everything clear on this forum, but I can tell you this: If you want all of your contractors to be fully insured on everything they do, don't complain about the price they charge. The contractor has to make enough to cover a decent living wage, transportation, tools, health insurance, and then the additional cost of the licensing, bonding and insurance which is the subject of the OP.

[MSchad]

Originally Posted by Richarjon

I see no place for villagers who have hired people under the pretense that they call themselves contractors but, have no license and are not bonded. Why is there no place to inform other villagers of these rip-off people and their companies name?

Do you have a name to post and warn others about?