{"id":513,"date":"2014-06-23T08:01:32","date_gmt":"2014-06-23T15:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shellyrobersonrealtor.com\/?p=513"},"modified":"2014-07-01T10:42:40","modified_gmt":"2014-07-01T17:42:40","slug":"the-high-price-to-the-low-bid-why-you-should-never-hire-an-unlicensed-contractor-to-work-on-your-property-when-a-license-is-required","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shellyrobersonrealtor.com\/the-high-price-to-the-low-bid-why-you-should-never-hire-an-unlicensed-contractor-to-work-on-your-property-when-a-license-is-required\/","title":{"rendered":"The High Price To The Low Bid – Why You Should Never Hire An Unlicensed Contractor To Work On Your Property (When A License Is Required)"},"content":{"rendered":"
In California, like many states, contracting for work where the labor and materials are greater than $500 requires a contractor\u2019s license \u2013 there are no exceptions.\u00a0 Month after month I hear stories of people, including other real estate agents, who hire unlicensed contractors (when the work unambiguously requires a contractor\u2019s license) in an effort to save money.\u00a0 In reality when they do so they are breaking the law, and exposing themselves and their brokers, and\/or their clients, to unnecessary risk.\u00a0 In addition to all of the potential workmanship issues associated with unlicensed contractors, the red-flag that is most prevalent and potentially damaging is the insurance issue.\u00a0 Unlicensed contractors are NOT insured.\u00a0 Unlicensed contractor\u2019s work is NOT bonded.\u00a0 Unlicensed contractor\u2019s employees are NOT covered by worker\u2019s compensation insurance.\u00a0 Unlicensed contractor\u2019s work is NOT guaranteed.<\/p>\n
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In fact, an unlicensed contractor\u2019s employee is the statutory employee of the homeowner \u2013 the parade of horribles that can exist would require the homeowner to pay for any and all employee injuries incurred on the property, including wrongful death.\u00a0 \u00a0In my mind this is clearly the \u201cHigh Price to the Low Bid\u201d and should be avoided at all costs.\u00a0 If a real estate agent or broker ever recommends using an unlicensed individual on your property you should seek the services of another real estate agent or broker with expediency.<\/p>\n