{"id":2701,"date":"2017-09-12T11:00:25","date_gmt":"2017-09-12T15:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ocfl.flywheelsites.com\/2016\/05\/the-importance-of-hiring-a-licensed-contractor\/"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:11:05","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T17:11:05","slug":"the-importance-of-hiring-a-licensed-contractor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2017\/09\/the-importance-of-hiring-a-licensed-contractor\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Hiring a Licensed Contractor"},"content":{"rendered":"

During post-storm cleanup, unsuspecting consumers can be easy prey for unlicensed contractors<\/a> whose bids almost inevitably will be much lower than bids from licensed contractors. The strong appeal of saving money can be overwhelming, but buyers must beware. The cheapest contractor available may be the one who will cost the most in the long run.<\/p>\n

Most people don\u2019t understand the risks and therefore don\u2019t do the proper background checks on contractors, and they often end up regretting it. Having a license is critical because it protects both parties from anything that might go wrong during the process.<\/p>\n

Unlicensed contractors have advantages that enable them to provide the lowest prices. They don\u2019t have to pay licensing fees, don\u2019t have to obtain a bond to protect their work, and, more often than not, don\u2019t purchase liability or workers compensation insurance. Without these added expenses, the unlicensed contractor can provide their services at a rate lower than the legitimately licensed professional, but it puts the consumer at risk.<\/p>\n

If you hire an unlicensed contractor and he falls off a ladder while doing work at your business or house, you\u2019re liable. An unlicensed contractor will also try to cut corners on the work because they don\u2019t have to adhere to building codes, so if a hurricane hits, or even a severe thunderstorm, your house or business may not hold up to Florida weather conditions.<\/p>\n

The goal of the Orange County Consumer Fraud Office is to investigate consumer complaints and work to resolve them through mediation. The Office can also issue citations, refer the complaint to other appropriate agencies and even press criminal charges against the egregious party.<\/p>\n

While many of these contractors are just too lazy and cheap to get their licenses, some of them are real criminals who will take your money without doing the work and even steal your property. These are organized criminals who canvas neighborhoods and business areas to lure you in with cheap prices.<\/p>\n

While fraud may not know geographical boundaries, the good news is that specific Florida laws have been passed to protect property owners from incompetent or dishonest contractors. The state licensing process tests\u00a0basic competency and also screens out dishonest contractors. A valid license is the first indication that your contractor might be qualified to do the job. According to Orange County Consumer Fraud Office, you should do the following when hiring a contractor:<\/p>\n