Homeowners guide to hiring a contractor

Every year Georgia homeowners are taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors. Please take a few minutes to review the following tips if you are considering hiring a contractor to: build a new home, remodel, renovate, or repair an existing home, perform electrical, plumbing, or mechanical repairs, put on a new roof, install a pool, or add a sun room.

Avoid dealing with contractors who:

..Use high-pressure sales tactics.

.. Pressure you to sign contacts and documents immediately.

.. Tell you they can help you get a loan from a lender they know.

.. Only accept cash payments.

.. Demand payment for the entire job upfront.

.. Ask you to get the required permits.

Tips for Hiring a Reputable Contractor:

.. All contractors who accept money for services provided are required by Georgia Law to maintain a current occupation tax (commonly referred to as a business license). As of July 1, 2008 any person performing contract work or activity in excess of $2,500 must hold a state license issued by the "State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors".

.. In addition to an occupation tax, general contractors building new homes and/or additions must be "registered" with Lincoln County. Call the "Department of Planning and Zoning" at (706) 359-5522 to verify that your contractor is registered. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical contractors are also required to be registered with the county and have a Georgia State Card for their trade.

.. Find out how long the contractor has been in business.

.. Obtain and check several references from former customers, preferably those who had similar work done. If possible, inspect the contractor's work.

.. Call the Code Enforcement Office at (706) 359-5525 to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.

.. Talk to subcontractors about the contractors payment history. The State of Georgia may allow subcontractors and/or material suppliers to file a mechanics lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Ask the contractor, subcontractors, and suppliers for a lien release or lien waiver.

.. Make sure that the contractor is responsible for obtaining any permits required for the job.

.. Make sure the subcontractors have a current occupation tax.

Other Tips

.. Always get a written contract.

.. Make sure all inspections have been performed and completed.

.. Make sure the contractor completes the job. Don't make final payment until all the work meets the standards spelled out in the contract, you have received a written warrenty for materials and workmanship, you have proof that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid, the job has been cleaned up, you have inspected and approved the completed work, and the county has issued a certificate of occupancy.

.. Specialty Contractors who offer to perform for an owner limited, specialty, or specific trade contract work within their specialty do not have to hold a state license as a residential or general contractor. However, nothing shall permit a specialty contractor to perform work or contractor services that fall within the licensing requirements of the "State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors".