Protect yourself, your home by hiring only licensed contractors

The “contractor” seemed legitimate to the Palm Coast homeowner who needed repairs on her swimming pool pump.  His business card stated he was a licensed electrician and listed the license number.

The so-called “licensed electrician” discovered one problem after another.  Over the months, he showed the homeowner segments of bad wire and told her a snake had damaged the electrical panel box and her house might burn down.  By the time the homeowner realized the work wasn’t being done, she’s been scammed out of more than $6,000 by an unlicensed contractor.

“Residents are required by state law to use a licensed contractor,” said City Business Tax Receipts Supervisor Jay Maher.  “Unlicensed contractors may charge less, but they often do sub-standard work, and they put residents at substantial financial risk should something go wrong with the job.”

There are ways for homeowners to protect themselves.  Ask to see a copy of the contractor’s license and verify with the issuing governmental agency.  A legitimate contractor will be either State Registered or State Certified, and locally licensed.  Also, ask for a copy of their liability and workers compensation insurance.  

Then, check the City’s website – www.palmcoastgov.com – under “Contractor Search” to review a list of the permits the contractor has pulled.  If the contractor isn’t listed or if you don’t have access to the Internet, call the City at 386-986-3766 to double-check.  

Also, be aware that a “handyman” is strictly limited to cleaning/painting, installation of wall coverings, repair/replacement of window glazing and door screens, and installation/removal of floor coverings.

Some early warning signs of an unlicensed contractor include:
•    Asking the homeowner to obtain the required City permit or denial that a permit or inspection is needed.

     (Call the Palm Coast Building Department at: 386-986-3780)
•    Requesting a large down payment before work begins or many requests for money during early phases of construction
•    Being unwilling to provide a written contract
•    Not having license numbers on vehicles, business cards, contracts or advertisements
•    Asking the homeowner to make payments in cash or to make checks payable to an individual when the contract is with a company
•    Contractor working only nights and weekends

‘The economy is tight, and people want to save money, but the least expensive option is not always the best way to go,” Maher said.  “Pay attention to red flags.”

In the case of the scammed homeowner, the unlicensed contractor was prosecuted and is now in prison.  There were at least two other victims- all 65 and older.  Restitution was ordered, Mather said, “but the chances of getting your money back are slim to none.”

Depending on the circumstances; A homeowner who uses an unlicensed contractor also can be held responsible.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, City of Palm Coast, Flagler County and state agencies are always on the look out of 'contractor' performing construction without a license and/or electrical work without a license.