This is the statement that brought me back into construction. While working for the Back to Health Chiropractic often times patients would tell me horror stories about how they hired a "handyman" or "someone related to someone who knows someone" to handle, what should be seemingly an easy remodeling task, only find out that they did not have the experience, knowledge, or professionalism in order to complete the project to satisfactory completion. However in remodeling nothing is relatively easy. Home are built during different eras, and it takes someone who's been around for a while, familiar/educated to know how that home was built for that time period.

When asking the patients that have hired Unlicensed contractors why resoundingly their answer is "I was trying to save money!"

The next question is was is it worth it, or did you save money? Again a resounding "NO! It wound up costing more to get it done right and the whole thing was a fiasco."

Your home is the largest investment you have so why chance your biggest investment to someone that has not taking the time nor care to invest in themselves to become a Licensed and insured contractor.

Here are seven points to consider when it comes to working with a licensed contractor for your home construction and repair needs:

1. Licensed contractors have a License Number and can be verified by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), the Florida DBPR will also include any public complaints against a licensed person/business and any unlicensed activity .

2. Licensed contractors have gained experience and knowledge through the proper training and legal processes. They invest the time to obtain the appropriate licenses and permits from authorized government offices, after passing the licensure test.

3. Most licensed contractors will offer liability insurance to protect you, your family and your home. Liability insurance is protection from personal and bodily injury and property damage that could occur with some jobs.

4. Licensed contractors have been trained to understand and meet all requirements set by the city council and federal government.

5. Not all contractors follow the steps necessary to complete a job safely and on time. Licensed contractors follow a specific, systematic approach to their projects. They carefully plan out the process before starting the job. Licensed contractors will also provide a signed legal contract between them and you.

6. Licensed contractors will take responsibility if something goes wrong, as ignoring issues could result in the loss of their license.

7. Homeowners who deal with licensed contractors are protected. That means that if a licensed company goes broke or walks off with your money, consumers can file a complaint with the Florida DBPR. Florida DBPR will investigate the claim and works like a mediator to resolve the issues.

Some people prefer the lower budget option of handling home repairs themselves or hiring unlicensed contractors. But when it comes to home remodeling/renovations, the cheapest routs are not always the safest or best ways to go. While both of the previous options an save money, they can also put homes at risk. Hiring a licensed contractor may cost a little bit more, but it’s a long-term investment that will eventually save you time and headaches.

Hire a licensed contractor. It’s always the best. Without hiring a licensed contract, consumers have no recourse.