In today's highly litigious environment, it is imperative that consumers be educated, not to mention savvy, when it comes to selecting and hiring contractors and subcontractors.
Not many are aware that when hiring contractors directly, in lieu of using the services of a general contractor, you become the general contractor in the state of California. This means you take on the responsibilities and the risks of the general contractor.
This in and of itself is not necessarily an issue. However, it is important that one take precautions and ensure some requirements, the same ones a professional general contractor would be certain to have in place, are met.
First, consider licensing, which is how the state regulates any given trade. It is the method in which you are ensured of getting a qualified tradesman in order to protect from poor workmanship, but more importantly, contractors who may cut corners and shave costs while infracting on ordinances and codes that are in place for a reason.
Trades from painters and handymen to electricians and pool contractors have state licensing requirements. Licensing also gives the consumer a path of recourse should there be an issue with the work done, or a fiscal issue.
Just as licenses can be given, they can be taken away. Therefore, licensed contractors are far more likely to act and perform well above board.
The next issue of importance is general liability insurance. Mesinow & Stravitz PLLC, a law firm based in Washington, D.C., strongly recommends that uninsured contractors in any trade never be allowed on property, personal or otherwise.
Many mistakenly think as long as they have a policy on the property they should be fine. There are two errors with this conclusion.
First, one should never opt to be the primary or first named in a lawsuit if they can avoid it. Secondly, the declarations section of your policy should be consulted.
Limits for outside workers on a property are general rather low, if not altogether insufficient. They can be as low as $5,000 on a homeowner's policy. Should a judgment be rendered against you in excess of the limit of your policy, you could be personally responsible.
Lastly, one sure way to go is to choose a contractor that meets these requirements and comes with the recommendation of a friend, neighbor or relative. Barring that, simply consult your local chamber of commerce.
For more information, call (760) 744-5510 or visit www.fishwindowcleaning.com/760.
Not many are aware that when hiring contractors directly, in lieu of using the services of a general contractor, you become the general contractor in the state of California. This means you take on the responsibilities and the risks of the general contractor.
This in and of itself is not necessarily an issue. However, it is important that one take precautions and ensure some requirements, the same ones a professional general contractor would be certain to have in place, are met.
First, consider licensing, which is how the state regulates any given trade. It is the method in which you are ensured of getting a qualified tradesman in order to protect from poor workmanship, but more importantly, contractors who may cut corners and shave costs while infracting on ordinances and codes that are in place for a reason.
Trades from painters and handymen to electricians and pool contractors have state licensing requirements. Licensing also gives the consumer a path of recourse should there be an issue with the work done, or a fiscal issue.
Just as licenses can be given, they can be taken away. Therefore, licensed contractors are far more likely to act and perform well above board.
The next issue of importance is general liability insurance. Mesinow & Stravitz PLLC, a law firm based in Washington, D.C., strongly recommends that uninsured contractors in any trade never be allowed on property, personal or otherwise.
Many mistakenly think as long as they have a policy on the property they should be fine. There are two errors with this conclusion.
First, one should never opt to be the primary or first named in a lawsuit if they can avoid it. Secondly, the declarations section of your policy should be consulted.
Limits for outside workers on a property are general rather low, if not altogether insufficient. They can be as low as $5,000 on a homeowner's policy. Should a judgment be rendered against you in excess of the limit of your policy, you could be personally responsible.
Lastly, one sure way to go is to choose a contractor that meets these requirements and comes with the recommendation of a friend, neighbor or relative. Barring that, simply consult your local chamber of commerce.
For more information, call (760) 744-5510 or visit www.fishwindowcleaning.com/760.