Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors
Do I need a licensed contractor?
I have some work that has to be done at my house: laminate and tile installation and stucco on the outside of the house. Do I need to hire licensed contractors for the job or can I hire anybody with hourly pay for these jobs? Is it legal for me to hire hourly workers, and f yess, is there any legal procedure for their pay? Thank you!
Public Comments
- You should only hire a licensed contractor to do extensive work because they have insurance,if they should hurt themselves or others you are not liable. Other handyman most of have no insurance can hold you accountable for such things and cost you a LOT of $$$$
- As long as you know the person can done that job well ,you can hire them .Which this make you contractor without licensed(owner ship) but in the future if you want to deal with taxes ,then you need estimated check by a licensed contractor.So it's better and economical that give the job to a licensed pro (general contractor) .
- From a legal standpoint, each state and often municipalities have standards which dictate what work may be done by unlicensed persons hired as casual labor, or as unlicensed contractors. As a rule, as long as the work is not structural in nature, and doesn't involve utilities,( gas, water service at the connecting valve, sewer connections to service, or electrical work) , and in most areas of the U.S., if the total of each job is under a total of 500-$1000, depending on the area you live, it is your choice who you hire. Check with your local planning office for permit requirements and local regulations. If you decide to NOT use a Gen. Contractor, the liability for the work will rest with you, and if the work is substandard or isn't completed, you will be the one who loses. To be strictly legal, if you hire anyone as hourly, obtain a tax form 1099 and follow the instructions, they will be contract workers, and responsible for their own taxes. You should remember, if you go this course, and a worker is injured, unless you have a contract specifing liability,you may very well be responsible for medical, pain and suffering, workman's compensation, etc.
