Many people aren’t aware of the steps needed in order for a skilled tradesman to secure a license in the state of California. This rigorous process as well as the requirements to maintain a license is a large reason so many contractors who remodel homes stay unlicensed.
Most homeowners aren’t blind to the fact that they can get work from someone who is unlicensed for cheaper. Many of these tradesman are even very skilled in their craft as well as reliable. This raises an important question: Why would you hire someone who’s licensed if their bid is more expensive?
Let’s get into it.
1. Its the Law
This is kind of a moot point. Likely anyone reading this article is aware of that and yes we will touch on more reasons hiring a licensed contractor for your next remodel is beneficial. But just to touch on it, here’s the rule:
In California, any project thats quoted above $1000 dollars requires a license. This number includes all labor and material that the contractor provides in the estimate.
2. Home Remodel Expertise
When it comes time to hire a lawyer would it matter to you if the lawyer passed the bar? Of coarse it would. This would give you peace of mind that they have a basic understanding of the laws that can help you win their case.
When hiring a contractor wouldn’t the same principle apply?
Licensed contractors are rigorously tested in their knowledge in the state of California on their trade as well as the laws that pertain to it. This gives you as a homeowner peace of mind that your home improvement project will be done right.
3. Legal Recourse
Licensed contractors have to answer to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for poor quality work or failure to comply with local and universal building codes.
As a homeowner you have can dispute damages to the CSLB when things go wrong on your remodel. This gives you an added layer of protection when hiring a licensed contractor knowing that even if you made a bad choice, so long as he’s licensed, you’ll be able to take legal action.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor on the other hand gives you very little, or even sometimes no grounds, for legal recourse.
Your Next Home Remodel
As a Licensed agency in the state of California we would be happy to help you on your next remodel. KP Home Remodeling is based out of Long Beach and we love meeting our neighbors so please reach out if you have any questions
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