You can find a licensed contractor using L&I’s online tool. You can find a registered Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor by searching the PA Attorney General’s database or calling 1-888-520-6680. You can also look up which contractors have had their licenses revoked or suspended.
Contents
How do I find a general contractor?
How to Find a Reliable Home Contractor
- Know what you want before you get estimates.
- Ask friends, relatives and co-workers for references.
- Interview at least five contractors.
- Be realistic about availability.
- Ask what work will be done by subcontractors.
- Choose the right contractor for the right project.
How much can a contractor charge up front in Pennsylvania?
Contractors can legally only ask for 1/3 of the contract price up front. It’s considered fraud if a substantial portion of the work is not performed in the time requested, or more than 45 days go by without work being done.
What is a PA HIC number?
Consumers or businesses can call our Home Improvement Registration Hotline, at 1-888-520-6680, to report unregistered contractors operating in their communities. Complaints about unregistered contractors can also be emailed to our office at: HIC@attorneygeneral.gov.
How do you know if a contractor is legit?
How do I find the right licensed contractor?
- Make sure the contractor is licensed. …
- Shop around before hiring a contractor. …
- Ask for personal recommendations. …
- Verify the contractor’s business location and telephone number. …
- Verify the contractor’s workers’ compensation and commercial general liability insurance coverage.
What is a contracting business?
Construction contractors are the people and businesses who build the residential and commercial structures for their clients. Learn how to start your own Construction Contractor Business and whether it is the right fit for you.
What should you not say to a contractor?
Seven Things to Never Say to a Contractor
- Never Tell a Contractor They are the Only One Bidding on the Job. …
- Don’t Tell a Contractor Your Budget. …
- Never Ask a Contractor for a Discount if You Pay Upfront. …
- Don’t Tell a Contractor That You Aren’t in A Hurry. …
- Do Not Let a Contractor Choose the Materials.
How do I choose the right contractor?
How to Choose the Best Contractor for the Job
- Obtain multiple bids. …
- Consider the needs of your specific project. …
- Take note of their communication style. …
- Consider their availability. …
- Check to make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. …
- Meet their team and subcontractors. …
- Check reviews and references.
How do I hire the right contractor?
Hiring a Contractor Checklist and Tips
- Get Multiple Estimates. Talk to several contractors and get written estimates from at least three. …
- Hire Local, Licensed Contractors Whenever Possible. …
- Check Their Past Work. …
- Take Your Time Making a Sound Decision. …
- Check Their Insurance and Bonding.
Is it normal to pay a contractor half up front?
A: It’s not uncommon for contractors to ask for a down payment up front to secure your spot on their schedule or purchase some of the job materials in advance. Asking for more than half of the project cost up front, though, is a big red flag.
How much down payment does a contractor need?
Generally, a standard down payment is between 10% and 25% of the project cost. You might see up to 30% for smaller jobs, such as paying professional house painters. Those dealing with more in-depth and costly projects, like general contractor down payments, tend to be closer to the 10% price range.
What type of work can a handyman do legally in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a home improvement is any repair, replacement, remodeling, demolition, removal, renovation, installation, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, rehabilitation or sandblasting done in connection with a private residence. This includes the construction, replacement, installation or …
How do I file a complaint against a contractor in PA?
Pennsylvanians who believe they have been the victim of a home improvement contractor or disreputable business practices should contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or by email at scams@attorneygeneral.gov or visit www.attorneygeneral.gov to file a complaint.
How do I verify a contractor in PA?
Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today reminded consumers that they should always check to ensure that the home improvement contractor is registered in Pennsylvania by visiting www.attorneygeneral.gov, or by calling 1-888-520-6680.
Does a handyman need a license in PA?
You do not need a state license to work as a handyman in Pennsylvania. However, if you do more than $5,000 worth of home improvement work per year, you must register with the Attorney General’s Office.
How do you tell a contractor their price is too high?
What to Say When Your Customer Says ‘Your Price is Too High’
- Gosh, I didn’t think it cost this much.
- OK, is there any sort of discount if I pay cash?
- Well, guess I’ll need to wait till next year.
- I’m still waiting on some other estimates.
- That’s quite a bit higher than I thought it would be.
What insurance should I require from a contractor?
The most important insurance that a hired contractor should have is workers compensation insurance. Hiring a contractor without workers comp insurance could leave you paying an injured employee or subcontractor’s medical bills indefinitely, just for hiring someone to fix your property.
Do contractors make a lot of money?
Yes, contractors earn (on average) a bit more than full-time employeesbut contracting comes with its own set of issues. … Contractors who aren’t affiliated with a staffing agency could still have the opportunity to negotiate for benefits and perks with their clients, although this is often a trickier process.
How do I start my own contractor?
10 Essential Tips for Starting a Contracting Business in…
- Write a Business Plan. …
- Research Regulations Specific to Your State. …
- Get Access to Funding Resources. …
- Understand Regulations for Construction Industry. …
- Obtain Proper Licenses and Permits. …
- Get Your Business Insured. …
- Recruiting and Hiring Laborers.
How much do construction owners make?
According to the job search website indeed.com, in 2016, the average construction business owner makes only $66,000 per year; while construction company vice presidents average $117,000 annual salary, senior project managers average $102,000 and project managers average $79,000.
What people hate about contractors?
10 Things Contractors Do That Customers Hate
- Failing to Communicate. There is nothing worse than having a contractor with whom you can’t communicate. …
- Subcontracting. …
- Producing Low-Quality Work. …
- Extending the Timeline. …
- Lacking Cleanliness. …
- Springing Additional Fees. …
- Entering the Home Uninvited. …
- Having No Concern for Safety.
How much deposit should you give a contractor?
Avoid paying in cash. Contractors cannot ask for a deposit of more than 10 percent of the total cost of the job or $1,000, whichever is less. * (This applies to any home improvement project, including swimming pools.) Stick to your schedule of payments and don’t let payments get ahead of the completed work.
How do you tell if a contractor is ripping you off?
Here are the 20 signs of a bad contractor, according to the pros:
- They Don’t Have Good Reviews. …
- They Overcommit to Work. …
- They Lack the Necessary Experience. …
- They Start Work, Disappear, Then Start Again. …
- Their Rates Are Significantly Lower Than Others. …
- They Don’t Get the Right Permits. …
- They Don’t Like Written Agreements.
How do I protect myself when hiring a contractor?
Some other best practices to keep in mind as you finalize a written agreement:
- Make sure the contractor obtains a permit if the job requires one. …
- Ask for a copy of the contractor’s license and proof of insurance. …
- Pay by check and get a receipt. …
- Document any changes to the contract in writing.
What documents should I ask for when hiring a contractor?
Your contractor should provide you with some important documents that can help your project run smoothly
- Contract Agreement. …
- Construction Schedule. …
- Scope of Work. …
- Detailed Cost Estimates. …
- Hard Cost Estimates. …
- Soft Cost Estimates. …
- Bonds and Insurance. …
- Bond.
How do I hire a contractor checklist?
Follow these steps to help you find and choose the best candidate for your home renovation or repair project.
- Compile a List of Contractors. …
- Conduct In-person Interviews. …
- Check the Contractors’ References. …
- Request Detailed Estimates. …
- Ask for a Written Contract.
What does a contractor fee include?
CONTRACTOR FEE OR MARK-UP The term Contractor Fee or Mark-up shall mean the full amount of compensation for all costs and expenses including overhead, profit, bond and insurance not included in the Net Cost of Extra Work.
What is a typical markup for contractors?
What Is The Average Contractor Markup? The average contractor markup can anywhere between 20%-35%. The average contractor mark up varies depending on where you live and what type of contracting job is being done.
Is it worth hiring a general contractor?
Is It Worth Hiring a General Contractor? It’s worth hiring a general contractor for large projects that require more than a week, several pros or multiple permits to complete. For example, a kitchen remodel takes about 5 to 6 weeks. A general contractor ensures smooth management and execution of the project.
