Why a license or a permit???

I just got my 2014-2016 Builders License in the mail the other day, and it made me wonder about how long I have been filing for these. A quick look in my file and I saw that it goes back to 1991 when the state of MN started the process to require contractors to be licensed. …

It used to be that we would go to each community and apply for a license from them.

They would require our proof of insurance, usually a bond fee, and then that was good for a year. It could be many licenses we would have to carry depending on how many communities we would have jobs in.

Now as much as I hate government coming into our lives, the process now is much more streamlined. One license covers all cities, town, and communities in the state. If we have our state license, we are good to go.

There are a few exceptions as to whether or not you need to be licensed. That window is very narrow. Bottom line is if you are performing services for any homeowner in the remodeling or building of a home, they need to carry the state license.

Our license is now good for 2 years. When it was first enacted it was good for a year, and we always have to renew before March 31^st of the renewal year.

Don’t let anyone try to convince you they don’t need to be licensed.

Now a licensed contractor does not guarantee that they are a good contractor. It does tell you they have taken the time to pass a test, get their insurance in order, and pay the fee for the license. It also gives you some help from the state if they by chance skip town on you. Some of our fee goes to a performance bond which would help you as a homeowner try to recover some money that you had paid to a licensed contractor and for whatever reason they have not done what they were supposed to.

A licensed contractor is also able to pull a permit for your job. I have heard a couple of times this winter from potential customers that the individual I was bidding against had told the customer they wanted the customer to pull the permit …something about it would save them money, it would be easier…blah blah blah. More then likely the contractor was not licensed. Don’t fall for that.

The job may come in cheaper, but what happens when they destroy something in your home worth thousands of dollars, and there is no insurance to cover it? Something to think about.

Now for permits.

Yes I know, a government thing again. Permits are an annoying thing for some of us, me included. However they do serve many purposes.

When you get a permit you are insuring several things. Here are just a few:

–For additions on to your home, you will be building it on your property; a corner of your new kitchen addition will not be sitting on your neighbors property. They do check for proper setbacks

–You will be assured that minimum safety standards are met. Always check with your builder if they try to exceed the minimums whenever possible.

–Sometimes insurance companies while investigating a claim will want to see that the improvement that possibly caused an issue was indeed inspected.

–Permits will not be issued to a non-licensed company. If your builder says they are licensed, they will be able to pull the permit, no-exceptions. If they ask you to pull it, that’s a red flag.

–Permits require us to think about what and how we are building something. It forces good buildable plans for complicated projects. Some jobs require very little planning, a very simple drawing. Some won't even need a drawing, depending on what is being done. Larger jobs without a doubt will need drawings. The inspector will go over these and put their mark of approval on them. Again one more step in knowing you have a competent builder doing your work.

As spring is upon us and you are thinking about that new home improvement, these are just a few things to consider.

Happy Spring!

~The Carpenter