Call us at (800) 884-2639

Your one call for trusted home improvements

Article 6-3-2010

What Do All Those Licenses Mean?

If you've been shopping around for home remodeling or repairs, you may have noticed that most companies advertise that they are licensed or certified. But what does that actually mean, and what benefit does it afford homeowners? The licensure and certification process ensures that contractors are authorized to perform certain tasks in your area. There are multiple levels of certification that contractors can attain:

• City and County Licensure: Depending on the area, most cities require a contractor to hold a city license. Some counties may also have the same mandate. In Florida, contractors have the option of applying for state-wide certification, which allows them to complete work anywhere within Florida. This certification is more expensive and requires more documentation, so it is less common. In the state of Florida, consumers can search for contractors and find out whether they have proper licensure through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Proper Insurance: In the unlikely event of an accident, insurance protects you from unexpected expense and headache. A contractor's insurance covers expenses incurred due to installation error, unforeseen damage, and other complications. In some cases the contractor may also be bonded. This is more common for contractors who take large jobs that require third-party financing, such as whole-house remodels.
• Job-Specific Licensure: In Florida, companies must hold separate licenses for expertise that requires specific training. For instance, contractors must obtain licensure for electrical work and asbestos abatement. Be sure that your contractor holds all the necessary licenses if multiple projects will be completed.

Other excellent measures of a contractor's reliability include registration with the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau sets high standards for businesses and gives consumers and excellent resource for researching potential merchants and service providers.

Beyond the usual government requirements, a contractor may have earned local recognition for outstanding service or community involvement. Check out the contractor's website to learn more. Any additional accolades indicate that a business has truly gone "above and beyond" what's required, to deliver superlative products and service.

The certification and licensure process offers consumers basic protection against fraud and poor workmanship. The best contractors will go beyond the basics, obtaining extra credentials to earn their customers' trust.

Handyman Connection is proud to serve the home improvement and home repair needs of Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Bradenton, Sarasota, Naples, Ft. Myers, Melbourne, Merritt Island & Titusville

« Back to Press Releases