Hiring an unlicensed contractor is still quite common these days, but this can be a great mistake. Unlicensed contractors don’t have the required expertise and tools to complete a construction project properly. Although you might think that you can save money, working with a contractor without a license can expose you to a lot of problems in the long run.
That’s why it’s highly recommended to take your time and find a trustworthy contractor before beginning your construction project. Here are some of the dangers you’re exposed to if you don’t hire licensed workers.
You Risk of Being Ripped Off
Yes, working with unlicensed contractors can make you spend more money than you should. That’s because most contractors without a license are probably looking to make a quick buck. They might take advantage of your lack of knowledge when it comes to construction projects and attempt to charge more than the market price. This is true for labor as well as the products and materials they use to complete the job. Ideally, you should avoid unlicensed contractors altogether and collaborate only with authorized workers.
You Risk Being Held Accountable for Workers’ Injuries
Although it doesn’t happen very often, the possibility of accidents and injuries while working on a property is still there. If you hire a licensed and insured contractor, you have nothing to worry about. The insurance the contractor carries will cover the medical expenses in case a worker gets injured while working on your construction project. This is not true for unlicensed contractors, though. In fact, you can be held accountable for a worker’s accident because he got injured while working on your property. Therefore, it’s paramount that you go for licensed and insured contractors to avoid any trouble that might arise in case of an accident or injury.
Unlicensed Contractors Cannot Obtain Building Permits
Any construction project begins by obtaining the required permits from competent authorities. Licensed contractors know how to do this quickly and they will do it for you, so you have nothing to worry about. On the other hand, unlicensed contractors cannot legally obtain building permits. They might simply begin working on your project without obtaining the permits and this will only create a lot of problems for you.
Unlicensed Contractors May Not Offer Warranties
Another problem with hiring unlicensed contractors is that they are not capable of offering any type of warranty on the job done. This means that you don’t have the peace of mind that the project has been completed correctly and successfully. In case something breaks down after a few months or years, you need to find someone else to fix the problem because unlicensed contractors didn’t offer you any warranty.
As you can see, working with an unlicensed contractor exposes you to a lot of risks and complications. That’s why it’s highly recommended to spend some time and find a reputable construction company to work with. At US Framing, we are licensed, bonded, and insured and we strive to deliver exceptional construction services to our customers, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
