Tips for Hiring a Licensed Contractor

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How to Hire the Right Contractor

The contractor advertisement that you are about to reply to states that the contractor is "licensed and insured"--but are they really "licensed and insured?"

Everyone tells you to "Hire A Licensed Contractor" but how can you tell who is really a "licensed contractor?"

How to hire the right contractor and avoid the common mistakes many make when hiring a contractor
In the construction industry, when hiring or looking for a contractor, you can't believe everything you're told-- until you verify that you are-in-fact dealing with a licensed contractor. This is true when hiring all home improvement contractors; electricians, plumbers, kitchen remodeling contractor, bathroom remodeling contractors, builders, home renovation services, ac contractors, roofers, pool contractors, etc. All these contractors will tell you that they are licensed but are they really...
The first thing you need to know before you call a contractor--
contractor
When hiring a contractor for your home improvement projects it is recommended to use the tactics every good investigator uses-- do your homework and gather some background information before interviewing the suspect. The following is a series of steps and questions you should know the answers to before you hire a contractor or even start a home remodeling project. 
how to have a successful home improvement project
Your home improvement project starts with your search for a qualified and licensed contractor. Click here for your 13 steps to hiring the right contractor, electrician, plumber, roofing contractor, and more!!

Click here to start your contractor license check

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Before you call a contractor...
Step 1-- Know the scope of your project--What exactly do you need a contractor for?

1. Know the scope of your project. Write down everything you want done and need a contractor for.

2. Contact the department that issues building permits in your area and tell them the scope of work that you plan on doing and ask what type of permits you will need to complete your project.

3. Ask what type of contractor (s) you will need to complete your home improvement and remodeling project. Be sure to tell them what type of home you live in (single family, condo, townhouse, etc.)

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Step 2-- With the information you acquired in Step 1 (above) you are prepared to call contractors

Questions to ask the contractor you are interviewing over the phone

1. First, let the contractor know your scope of work that way he will be able to determine if he can help you.
2. If the contractor comes across like he can help you proceed to ask the contractor which type of contracting license he or she has.
3. Ask who the license was issued by
4. Ask for the name and business the license is issued to
5. Ask what the license number is
6. Ask where you can verify this license
7. Ask when the license expires
8. Ask if the license allows the contractor to work outside of their state or county
9. Ask if they are registered with your building department
10. Ask them what type of permits your project will require
Thank the contractor for his or her time and tell them you are going to verify the information and you will get back to them when your ready to talk about an estimate.

Click here and become aware of some of the
problems and pitfalls consumers have encountered when the wrong contractor was hired...

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