Every year a huge number of complaints get lodged against a builder or remodeling company or individual. A large number of those complaints come from homeowners who hired an unlicensed contractor. Do you know what it means to be a licensed contractor? Do you know why it is important as a consumer? KBC Remodeling Services in Longmont is here to answer the question: Why should I hire a licensed contractor?
Buying and owning a home is probably the biggest investment made by most people in their lifetime. With that kind of financial and emotional investment, it’s a good idea to maintain and care for your property. If you’re thinking about doing some major, or even minor, remodeling work on your home you’ll be thinking about contractors.
Estimates and bids can differ between licensed and unlicensed contractors. It may cost a bit more to work with a fully licensed and insured contractor. But can you really afford to run the risk of doing otherwise? It takes quite a bit of time, energy, and money to get licensed and that can make it very hard for contractors who are following the rules to compete with the low-low bids of the unlicensed crowd. Longmont has surely seen its fair share of growth over the years which has led to a good number of “would-be” contractors floating about willing to make a deal. Please consider one big reason to take licensing into consideration when picking a remodeling contractor in Longmont:
What does working with a licensed contractor provide? Protection!
- A license doesn’t guarantee quality work but it does at the very minimum provide a certain level of experience and knowledge in the field. A contractor cannot obtain a license without at least a minimum of experience and knowledge to pass the test. One of the main goals of professional licensing is to ensure the professional has a certain level of competence. Another aspect of quality assurance is your contractor’s integrity. If you’re working with an unlicensed contractor, they are demonstrating a lack of integrity and a willingness to cut corners. Where else might they be cutting corners?
- If (or when) a dispute arises, you should have an avenue for resolution. You need the ability to file a complaint against that contractor’s license. In order to gain a contractor’s license in the state of Colorado, the applicant will be subject to a criminal background check and cannot have any outstanding contracting complaints. And what happens should this unlicensed tradesman injure themselves while on the job? With a licensed contractor is on your property they are covered by insurance should anything happen to them. Not licensed? You could be open to a lawsuit!
- Maintaining Property Values. Most building construction and remodeling projects require city, county or state permits. Unlicensed contractors can, and regularly do, blow off the permitting process completely. This can have serious consequences during any real estate transactions or home inspections. Protect your property value by using only licensed remodeling contractors.
KBC Remodeling Services has been a remodeling contractor in Longmont for nearly 30 years. We are a full service design and build contractor that is fully licensed and insured for your protection! We use the same licensed tradesmen with whom we have built great rapport over many years. If you’re considering a home remodeling project, please give us a call and experience the KBC difference.
(303) 682-1777