Looking for a fencing and decking contractor can be a challenge. You’re finally ready to build the deck or fence of your backyard dreams, but finding the best contractor can be hard.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your home improvement project is to make sure you find a fencing and decking contractor who is licensed, insured, and bonded. That way you’ll know your hard earned investment is protected along with the contractor you hire.
So, what’s the big deal? Here’s the rundown on the scary pitfalls of hiring an unqualified fencing and decking contractor.
Unqualified Decking and Fencing Contractors
Here’s the thing about unqualified decking and fencing contractors: they won’t come out and advertise themselves as such. As the client, it’s your job, unfortunately, to check licensing, insurance, and bonds. The good thing about it is that most contractors you want to hire are ready, willing, and able to present all the necessary paperwork to prove that they’re qualified.
Your job is to ask to see their licenses and ask about their insurance and bonds. Reasonable, qualified contractors (the ones you want to hire) expect this. But what’s at stake, really?
Licensing Process for Fencing And Decking Contractors
The licensing process varies state by state, but it generally requires that you know the laws of your state and that you have some base level of documented experience. Just imagine for a second the scary pitfalls that could happen if you hire an unlicensed contractor.
Particularly for decks, your contractor needs to know the importance of load bearing and structural integrity. And the laws of each state ensure that contractors build their decks and fences to code, which means they build their decks and fences safely.
A contractor with an up-to-date license has submitted to the requirements of the law. He’s also likely monitored and checked on a regular basis to verify compliance. These are good things. When you’re looking for a contractor to improve your home, licensing is necessary to ensure your safety and the safety of those you love.
The Benefits of Bonds and Insurance
Bonds and insurance are similar in the way they protect the parties involved. No one expects the worst-case scenarios to happen, but we shouldn’t operate under the delusion that accidents never happen or that they won’t happen to us. Your contractor should never operate that way either.
It’s wise for you to protect yourself and your assets by simply requiring any contractor you hire to provide evidence of adequate insurance and bonds. Unfortunately, the scary pitfalls of not having insurance can lead to liability on your part. If someone gets hurt while working on your home, then you could face implications. If your contractor isn’t properly bonded, there could be monetary consequences.
The Best Contractor Financing
The bottom line is that it’s just not worth it to hire a contractor who isn’t properly licensed, insured, and bonded. There’s too much at stake. Good contractors maintain their business well, including their licensing.
And when you need financing to find those great contractors, you can turn to our well-qualified team at HFS Financial. You can get the financing options you need to build the deck or fence for your dream backyard. Get started in just 60 seconds or give our team a call at 1-800-254-9560. With HFS Financial, “You Dream It, We Finance It.”