It Is That Time of Year to Hire a Contractor
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
The stories are everywhere – families who wanted to transform their homes with a dream project. They wanted to add a bedroom and bathroom or wanted to recreate their kitchen, but then everything goes wrong.
The contractor the family hires misses every deadline, demands additional payments, or just does not show-up. The savings that was invested in the project is at risk.
Here are five ways to protect yourself before (in two weeks we will be publishing an article with some guidance on what to do if the wheels come of the proverbial wagon) you hand over the check and sign the agreement.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST- Check out the contractor. All contractors have to register with the state of Rhode Island. Look them up and see if there are any complaints pending. CLICK HERE
- Google them – a lot. See what else you can find out. Angie’s List is now a free sign-up and while its data and reviews can be limited it is another data point.
- Get more than one quote. Certainly, the economy is improving and the demand is up, but you want to make sure you get the best quality for the money when you take on a project that can range from $20,000 to $100,000 or more.
- Get a detailed written agreement that includes a timeline.
- Have an attorney that works in the field review it. All agreements are not the same and certainly agreements don’t need to be over lawyered, but this is real money and you do want to be protected.
Now who is a contractor and who isn’t and why it matters
If you have a problem or an issue with a residential contractor that cannot be resolved amongst yourselves, the State of Rhode Island has provided a venue for the dispute to be heard and resolved. It is called the R.I. Contractors Board of Registration. Click here for rules.
Every contractor, and most subcontractors, who are in the business of building, repairing, demolishing or moving residential or commercial structures must register with the R.I. Contractors Board of Registration.
To register, a contractor or subcontractor must file certain information with the Contractors' Registration Board such as name and address, workers' compensation account number, unemployment insurance account number, state withholding tax number, federal employee identification number, and proof of insurance (COI’s). As to insurance, in addition to Workers Compensation, the law requires that every registered contractor have certain minimum liability insurance coverage.
Contractors and subcontractors who do not have a valid registration certificate will not be able to bid on work or obtain a building permit in any of Rhode Island's 39 cities or towns. Trade Contractors such as Plumbers, Pipefitters and Electricians are already licensed by another Rhode Island agency and do not have to file for a Contractors' Registration unless they work outside of the purview of their license.
The Contractors Board, whether or not a contractor is registered, will hear claims from consumers for negligent work, improper work, contract disputes, and claims of breach of contract pertaining to work on residential properties. The Board also has the power to issue subpoenas and conduct investigations into the activities of anyone who is engaged in the building and construction industry in the State of R.I.
For more information contact Joseph P. Pemantell, Jr., Esq. at Kelly & Mancini, PC
Joseph is an associate attorney with Kelly & Mancini, practicing primarily with the firm’s construction and commercial litigation teams. In addition, Joseph contributes to the full range of the firm’s practice areas.
Tel: (401) 490-7334 Ext. 155
This column is part of a sponsored content partnership between GoLocal and Kelly & Mancini.
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