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Would you use them?
My H and I are looking for a contractor to install a tile backsplash in our kitchen. It's very simple design, straight laid 4x4 tiles with a 1" diamond accent every 12", and we only need about 25 sq.ft.
Long story short, the first person we contacted was astronomically higher than we expected for our area and scope. It's been a PITA to even get a hold of any other contractors at all, and we finally found one that is easy to contact, great pricing, and looks to do great work and has good references.The only issue is that his license is currently suspended. When I asked about it, he said they have a complainant who filed several months ago, was given 20 days to respond back, and never did. Since then, they've contacted the ROC several times to get reinstated, but they claim to be understaffed and backed up. He has a letter that shows their license should be reinstated because the complainant never followed up, but as it stands...they do not have a current license.
I'm still meeting with him today so he can give me a final firm quote, but I'm just not sure I'm comfortable using a contractor without a current license. It's really not a difficult job, H and I could do it if we had the time/tools, so I'm not necessarily worried that they can't do it, it's just the little fact that if anything does go wrong, we wouldn't have that to back it up.
I mean, it's not a very substantial financial risk (perhaps I could even talk him down in price since he's not licensed?) and it's not a big project risk either (no Holmes on Homes scenario that poor contracting could cause major issues or anything), but I'm just not sure.
So for this small of a project, would you be okay using someone who doesn't have a current license? If you would, is there anything else you'd want written into a contract to make up for it?
Re: Would you use them?
NO I would not use them. We have a general rule that we will not use unlicensed contractors. His story could be true or it could be a lie... you will never know. On a side note... you seem to have missed the fact that someone felt the need to file a complaint against his license. Most people dont' do that for kicks.
Your money and time would be better spent getting a subscription to Angie's list and calling the top rated contractors that do tiel.
I understand you probably want this project done sooner rather than later but could you ask him to honor the price until his license is re-instated and then come and do the job?
I'm from a very small town and when mom needed things done around the house she would often just hire the local handyman. Looking back, he probably never had a license and it always worked out fine. That's small town life for you.
I guess it just really depends on your comfort level. He sounds like a decent guy and the fact that he has documentation might be enough for you to say okay. Could you call the board or whatever it is that took his license and question his story? Try to confirm what he is saying about them being backed up?
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According to their website, you have to go to the nearest office to look up claim information. I'll probably ask him more about the claim when I meet with him tonight, and if I like his final price, I might have to check it out to see.
There is a home and garden show this weekend though, so H and I might go to that to see if there are any other contractors there, since they seem to be difficult to find otherwise (I think it's crap that you have to pay for Angie's list)
Our house building adventure (UPDATED 8/20/12)
Wedding Planning Bio
Our wedding blogged! (Click Brad & Briana on the right side)
[quote user="jemmini6"
(I think it's crap that you have to pay for Angie's list)
/quote]
Ahh.. you get what you pay for. We used to have the same type of issue you are having getting contractors to call us back. We have not had that issue once using Angie's list. The contractors we have used from Angie's list have been the most professional and best priced. We have saved many times the price we paid for Angie's list.
I personally would not recommend home and garden shows. In our experience those companies tended to a be a lot more $ since they have to pay for advertising. Great companies don't need to advertise since referrals provide their businesss.
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You guys think it's crap to pay for Angie's List? Lol...it doesn't cost that much and is worth every penny. Not everything in life is free....sorry. I hate to sound harsh, but sometimes you have to pay for things. It kind of makes me feel better that you actually have to pay to use it. I tend to think the reviews are more realistic and not just someone who can access a site for free and write whatever they want.
ETA: OP, I never answered your question. I would be VERY apprehensive to use them. Not only b/c he is currently unlicensed, but also because you aren't sure if what he is saying about the license is the truth. He could be straight out lying to you. As much as I love to give people the benefit of the doubt, I would not in this situation. I know I touched on this already, but Angie's List may have a review of this contractor and you could get actual reviews from people who have used him instead of going on what HE says. You also could read about other contractors who could be just what you need and who ARE licensed.
Go Phils!!
If I were doing an addition or some major remodeling, then yes, I would definitely go with a contractor with an active license and insurance. In the case of tile backsplash, I would probably let it slide if I were comfortable with him / his quote.
I used to have my own service/related business so I always take a negative review or complaint with a grain of salt. Some people are very unreasonable and being in business you can't always afford the "customer's always right" mentality. Now, if the contractor had multiple complaints, then that would be a TOTAL red flag.
My ex works in construction. One time he had a contract with a customer who cancelled the contract because they decided to postpone the project for a year. And because my ex wouldnt refund the "non-refundable" deposit (he bought materials already he couldnt return) they sued him and tried to put all sorts of complaints out there on him. They lost the suit but I recall him having a heck of a time getting the complaints resolved.
Paying for a subscription to find one contractor for a small job that should be less than $300 doesn't seem worth it. If I was redoing my entire house and needed several recommendations, I could see the value in that, but not for such a small job.
Also, I don't mind paying for a service, but reviews aren't a service, they are reviews OF a service and should be free...to pay to leave a review (or read them) is like paying other people's advertising costs. It's the principle of it that I think is crap, not the value of the information.
Well, I am never one to argue with anyone over their principles, but AL is a great resource and it may be very helpful to you in this situation. It's not only home related companies either, but whatever. I wish you the best of luck with your project.
Go Phils!!