Savvy Seniors Hire Licensed Professionals
Sunset Air and Home Services urges that savvy seniors hire licensed professionals. Unlicensed activity is against the law and can cause physical and financial harm. Check to make sure that those who you hire to work on your home hold the proper license(s).
Plumbing, AC and roofing are just a few of the services that require a license. Often times unlicensed contractors and scammers prey on senior citizens. Be a SAVVY SENIOR! Verify licenses. Hire licensed professionals.
Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Person
Poor Qualifications
Unlicensed persons typically do not have the education, insurance or qualifications required of a licensee.
Poor Quality Work
Unlicensed contractors typically do poor quality work or do not finish the project, leaving the homeowner to spend more money hiring another contractor to repair or finish the project.
Possible Criminal Background
Unlicensed persons often have criminal backgrounds that may include fraud, theft, violent crime, sexual offenses and substance abuse.
Likelihood of Being The Victim of a Scam
Unlicensed persons often disappear after taking your money, leaving you with very few options to help you get your money back or your work completed. Scams in the construction industry, especially home improvement, sadly are widespread. Con artists pose as contractors and often target vulnerable people and take advantage of homeowners.
Limited Resources for Broken Contracts
When you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you call the department, which has the authority to discipline and even revoke the license. This gives the licensee more incentive to play fair. However, this type of action is not available against unlicensed contractors and homeowners often find the only answer is an expensive, and generally futile, civil suit.
No Insurance And Liability For Injuries To Others
An unlicensed contractor typically is uninsured and will have no way to pay you back for any property damage. You may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others.
No Coverage Under Homeowner’s Policy
Most homeowner policies require that work must be done by a licensed contractor and provide no coverage for work that is not.
Noncompliance With Building Codes
Most projects, even small ones, require permits and inspections that unlicensed contractors ignore or are unfamiliar with. If your project isn’t permitted or doesn’t comply with the building code, you may have to remove or repair the work at your own expense and be subject to fines by local government.
Liens Being Imposed On Your Property
You may be subject to liens placed on your property by subcontractors or suppliers. For more information please contact our Unlicensed Activity Hotline at: 1-866-532-1440
If An Unlicensed Contractor Offers Services To You
- Do not hire the unlicensed individual
- Keep copies of all information provided by the unlicensed individual (Ads, Flyers, Cards).
- Report the unlicensed person by sending the information to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation
Report Unlicensed Activity
1-866-532-1440
www.MyFloridaLicense.com
Why Hire a Florida Licensed Pro?
Licensed
You can verify a State of Florida Licensed Contractor at www.MyFloridaLicense.com. Ask your contractor for a license number!
Tested
Licensed professionals have proven abilities through testing and certification.
Trusted
Licensed professionals are required to have proper insurance and liability coverage that protects you! Ask your contractor about it!
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