my mom is dumb

[alphatarget1]

Ignorance is bliss.

My mom owns a small business and she wants to get it remodeled. I told her to get a licensed contractor to do it and she agreed initially, but after talking to some dumbass friend of hers she wants to go cheap and get someone who is unlicensed to do it.

I can't seem to convince her even with ample evidence of getting screwed for not hiring someone who is licensed... I need a game plan, any ideas?

 

[SampSon]

Even if they are licensed they can screw her royally.

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Even if they are licensed they can screw her royally.

thats why you check references and there are avenues of getting them back (when they're licensed). I'm concerned of work related injuries and her getting sued.

 

[Ornery]

I can see her saving a lot of money, but fail to see the huge risk you're worried about.

I'm concerned of work related injuries and her getting sued

Have her speak with her insurance agent.

 

[SampSon]

Originally posted by: alphatarget1

Originally posted by: SampSon
Even if they are licensed they can screw her royally.

thats why you check references and there are avenues of getting them back (when they're licensed). I'm concerned of work related injuries and her getting sued.

Trust me I know about the contractor business, so I understand your worries.

Contractors being licensed really doesn't open up an amazing amount of avenues for getting them back. If you check the local media for the past few years there have been a LOT of contractors screwing clients out of money, going bankrupt and then starting right back up again.

Work related injuries should be covered by their insurance and liability statements included in the work contract. Though you are on the right track, in many states insurance is a prerequisite for obtaining a license.

 

[KarenMarie]

might want to check what the laws are in your area. in nj, you have to have permits for most of the work which can only be given to licensed workers.

guy across the street had his friend come in and do some stuff. the town found out, asked questions and found out there were not permits and his friends were not licensed. after being hit with fines... he had to rip all the work out, get permits and licensed workers.

 

[tommywishbone]

More info please:

1) do the unlicensed guys have referrals?
2) are they local?
3) what was the $ amount diference of the bids?
4) what is the approx total of the valid bid?
5) are the unlicenesed guys bonded or insured? (It's not the same as licensed)
6) is there going to be a project mangaer on site?

 

[NascarFool]

Originally posted by: tommywishbone
More info please:

1) do the unlicensed guys have referrals?
2) are they local?
3) what was the $ amount diference of the bids?
4) what is the approx total of the valid bid?
5) are the unlicenesed guys bonded or insured? (It's not the same as licensed)
6) is there going to be a project mangaer on site?

7) Will they get a permit ?

Highly unlikely. The City can shut the building down if a permit (if required) was not purchased.

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: tommywishbone
More info please:

1) do the unlicensed guys have referrals?
2) are they local?
3) what was the $ amount diference of the bids?
4) what is the approx total of the valid bid?
5) are the unlicenesed guys bonded or insured? (It's not the same as licensed)
6) is there going to be a project mangaer on site?

it's a minor project. she's just putting in new floors and a washer/dryer unit in. Unless she's not telling me about it...

 

[ohtwell]

You've done all you really can do. You've made her aware of the risks that could arise. Let her do what she already has her mind set on doing. She'll be the one to suffer if there are consequences and you'll be there to say "I told you so."


: ) Amanda

 

[harobikes333]

Originally posted by: SampSon
Even if they are licensed they can screw her royally.

 

[tommywishbone]

Ok. The floors should be pretty straight forward. I'm guessing hardwood to replace old carpet, or perhaps some under-flooring re-enforcement and then new carpet & padding? Again, pretty straight forward. The washer & dryer install requires some plumbing & electrical... nothing too complex. Sometimes getting 220v to the dryer is an issue but nothing tough. Venting the dryer is usually very easy. Washer need water supply & drain... easy.

As long as the guys have some references, I'd relax. Depending on the square footage of the floor work, I'd guess we're talking about 4-5 days work. I think you can get a good idea about a crews skills by watching them the 1st day. If you have a flat bid (total final price) they won't try dragging thing out.

Just my 0.02.

 

[ScottMac]

You can (if you haven't) explained that the licensed guy are (usually, almost certainly) required to be bonded (insured).

That means: If they screw something up, they pay for it. If the unlicensed / unbonded person screws something up, more often than not, you end up having to sue them for the damages.

There's always the chance that if somethig went horribly wrong and, say, the house burned down, your insurance might not be required to cover it since it occurred outside the building code, there weren't permits, etc. Even some DIY jobs require a local permit, not following the local codes can be much more trouble than it's worth.

FWIW

Scott

 

[Gibson486]

My mother went that route and got a licensed contractor to finish up her new building. 5 years later, the project was finally finished and my mother went to court numerous times.