Risky Business with Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor

Hiring an unlicensed contractor in California can be risky. You may be tempted due to the lower price but it’s hardly worth the risk. The only way you’ll find a contractor that can offer “our guarantee” of quality services, is if they are licensed. Check out these reasons that hiring an unlicensed contractor is never a good idea. 

You Can be Held Liable for Injuries

Did you know that if a contractor got hurt while working on your property you could be held liable? Even if the contractor was not being careful and negligence played a part, because they are technically your employee, you would be responsible and would have to cover their expenses should they get injured. Additionally, even if a contractor breaks something, such as a sewer line, you would again be held responsible, which could potentially cost you thousands of dollars in fees. If you’re working with a licensed and insured contractor, they’ll be the ones held responsible. 

The Lower Price Isn’t What it Seems

Sure, you might be tempted at the lower rate of an unlicensed professional, but what’s really going on? The lower cost if often the result of cutting corners in order to get the job done at a lower price. This often leads to shoddy workmanship and in fact, might be more expensive in the long run because you’ll have to make repairs. 

You May Be at Risk for Legal Issues

Depending on what construction work you are wanting, it’s possible that you’ll need a permit. Sometimes outdoor decks need to meet strict zoning requirements depending on where you live. An unlicensed contractor isn’t held to the same standards so they won’t properly obtain permits when necessary, which may cause you fees or legal issues. 

At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Even though hiring an unlicensed contractor may be tempting when you see their offered price tag, remember that it is hardly worth it. You’ll be at risk of spending an additional thousands of dollars on top of the original costs if something goes wrong with an unlicensed contractor. In the long run, the added cost of hiring a licensed contractor will actually save you money as well as guaranteeing quality services.