Sunday, August 15, 2010

Planning to Remodel/Renovate/Build?

Hire a LICENSED contractor! We've seen far too many people get scammed because they didn't check to see if their "contractor" was actually licensed--they just took his word for it. Unfortunately, the locksmith industry remains unregulated in the state of Hawaii. For other types of construction, painting, flooring, etc, ask yourself these questions: Have you .. .

Gotten at least three written estimates for the job?
Verified the licenses of the contractors and any subcontractors
by calling 587-3222?
Checked with the Regulated Industries Complaints Office
for any prior complaints about the contractor by calling
587-3222 (press 1)?
Asked the contractor for references?
Requested a list of subcontractors if any are to be used?
Drawn up a written contract?
Read the entire contract and understood all of its terms and
conditions?
Purchased performance, material and completion bonds through
the contractor?
Obtained the appropriate building permits?
Seen and understood any plans and blueprints before approving
them?
Periodically checked on the progress of the work?
Gotten lien releases from subcontractors and material suppliers?
Kept copies of all documents and correspondence?
Published a notice of completion in the newspaper once the job
was done?
(This printed material can be made available for individuals with
special needs in braille, large print or audiotape. Please submit your
request to the Complaints and Enforcement Officer at 587-2666)

If you are seriously considering a home remodeling job or thinking of
installing a swimming pool, then you will probably hire a contractor to
do the work.
As licensed contractors have met experience and examination
requirements, and are required to maintain worker’s compensation
insurance and liability insurance, it is wise to insist that the contractor
you hire be licensed. However, because you may be undertaking a
substantial investment, you should do your homework, and enter into
any contract in a “buyer beware” manner.
For inquiries regarding license status, contact:
Phone: 587-3222, (press 1)
For filing complaints against licensed or unlicensed
contractors, contact:
Regulated Industries Complaints Office
Consumer Resource Center
235 S. Beretania Street, 9th Floor
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone:
Oahu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587-3222 (press 2)
Kauai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274-3200
Maui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243-5808
Hilo, Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 933-8846
Kona, Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-6684

For complete brochure, go here

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