The key to any successful construction project, is a good contract. A good contract is going to have as much information about the project and your responsibilities as possible. Whether you’re the homeowner, subcontractor, project manager or general contractor, make sure that you have a clear understanding of your responsibilities before the job actually starts.

Only Use Licensed Contractors

The reason for this is simple, if you have problems with any licensed contractors that you hire, you can file a complaint with their licensing board. This does one of two things, gets the contractors attention that you’re not interested in getting screwed and notifies the contractors licensing board that they might have given a contractor’s license to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

The problems you could get into using unlicensed contractors are astronomical. I don’t even know where to start with all the problems people have, using licensed contractors, let alone unlicensed ones. If you’re planning on building or remodeling your home in the future and you really want to save money, you’re not going to do it by using contractors that aren’t qualified.

Tips for General Contractors

• Have at least 2 years experience in home improvement, construction, or related education.

• Must fill out credit report application form providing proof of credit to pay debts and long-term expenses as they become due in the course of business.

• Must submit articles of incorporation and certificate of good standing from the Assessments & Taxation Department in one’s state if representing a corporation.

• Must check with state’s department of licensing if they want to use a trade name to make sure the name is available to use. If so, register the name with their state’s assessments and taxation department. Submit trade name registration certificate with license application.

• Proof of $50,000 liability insurance in effect at all times.

• Renew license every 2 years.

The first thing you need to do when hiring a contractor is to make sure that they actually have a contractor’s license. If you’re not going to pay attention to anything else, that anyone else is going to tell you about contractors, pay attention to what you just read in this article.