You had some work done on your property. Something was damaged, or is not working as it should. Worse even, you paid a deposit and now the Contractor is MIA...
Unfortunately, we hear about these things happening all the time; so what can you do to best protect yourself when hiring a contractor? We'll tell you things to look out for and ways to verify a Contractor in 3 easy steps. But first, why is it so important to find a licensed and insured contractor? It is always important to work with a Licensed and Insured Contractor, or you could be left with sub-par work, costly repairs, and a lengthy civil battle as your only recourse. Don't fall victim to a fly-by-night Contractor! How can you protect yourself? 1. Watch for red flags:
2. Is their business listed on the Colorado Secretary of State Business Database?
3. Search your local county Building Department website or call to ensure a Contractor is licensed to provide services in your area. Each County has a Contractor List that is updated often to maintain the latest license information. A skilled trade contractor not listed with the county has not been approved to provide that service in the area. Skilled trades include Limited Excavation, Full Excavation/Grading (able to work in the Right-Of-Way), Concrete, Septic, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and the like. If not listed with the county, this is a big red flag as some of the trade skills require testing and references, as well as proof of insurance before being approved to work in the county.
As the homeowner, it is important to protect yourself and your property when selecting a qualified Contractor. The only way to FULLY vet a contractor is to follow ALL THREE of these steps and verify insurance. The county may show a contractor as active, but that contractor may not be in good standing with the state, or visa versa. Do your research ahead of time to save in the long run and set yourself up for success on your next project! By Casey Loftus Peak DirtWorks, LLC Peak DirtWorks is a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Colorado Limited Liability Company. View our credentials below: -Secretary Of State -Teller County Licensing -Park County Licensing (Call 719-836-2771) -Proof of Insurance available upon request. Request more info at info@peakdirtworks.com or call (719) 445-7325
7 Comments
4/23/2020 05:12:02 am
you have done a great job i hope you will do much batter in the future
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8/22/2020 02:17:24 am
This article provides details about the 3 ways to protect yourself when choosing a contractor. I enjoyed reading this article and would suggest others it as well. Thank you for this article! This is really very informative for us and look forward to more such in future for all of us.
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2/8/2021 12:43:28 pm
My sister has been thinking about getting a professional to help her manage the dirt outside her home to look a lot nicer. Making sure that she can turn the dirt in the back into a place that she can use effectively. Thanks for explaining how they should be able to provide services in the area with the right insurance, and license to have the right trade skills.
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11/30/2022 04:50:05 pm
It's great that you explained the importance of making sure your contractor is licensed to do their job before hiring one. My wife and I want to install a septic tank and a swimming pool in our house next month, so we're looking for a contractor to start our project on time before we leave for vacation, and we think your tips will help us. Thank you for the advice on finding a skilled and reliable contractor.
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3/22/2023 10:38:54 am
It was helpful when you said to find one that has a website. My husband told me yesterday afternoon at lunch about how he needs to hire an excavator for a construction project coming up at his work at the end of April. I'll pass this information along to him so he can know how to find the right excavation contractor.
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4/11/2023 05:37:04 pm
Thank you for pointing out that a phony "contractor" may afford to charge less with little to no overhead since they are not paying to carry the required certifications or insurance. My mother wishes to improve the road in front of our house. I'll advise her to work with a licensed landscaping service.
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8/24/2023 11:58:18 pm
Choosing the right contractor is paramount, and these invaluable tips couldn't have come at a better time. The importance of checking references, verifying licenses, and having a detailed written contract cannot be overstated. In an era where trust can be fragile, these proactive steps provide much-needed security. Remember, a diligent selection process paves the way for a successful and stress-free project. Kudos for sharing this practical advice!
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AuthorAt Peak DirtWorks, we aim to educate and help our local community. Our Blog provides useful tips and ways to save when making a decision about the next home project. Archives
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