Information You Can Use

Hiring Licensed Contractors vs Unlicensed Contractors

12/27/2012 21:14:00

What is an Unlicensed Contractor?

An unlicensed contractor is someone who does repairs or makes improvements to your home without the appropriate license to do business in your state. Typically, unlicensed contractors work for less than licensed contractors because they avoid worker's compensation and liability insurance requirements.

What are the Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor?

While an unlicensed contractor may provide you with a low price, there are many risks involved in dealing with one:

Unlicensed contractors cannot get permits, so their work is not inspected and may not be up to local code.
If an unlicensed contractor improperly installs an appliance, such as a water heater that explodes, your insurance will not cover it.
If an unlicensed contractor installs an appliance, such as a water heater, dishwasher, and so on, the product warranty may be voided.

How Do I Tell if my Contractor is Unlicensed?

There are some signs that may suggest your contractor is unlicensed. They include:

The contractor asks for a large down payment before work begins and makes multiple requests for money in the early phases of construction.
The contractor says permits and inspections are not required or he asks you to obtain the permit.
The contractor gives a verbal contract only. He is not willing to put terms in writing.
The contractor does not have proof of insurance.
The contractor only works weekends or after-hours.
The contractor asks you to make checks payable to a person or "cash" rather than a company.
The contractor's advertisements, vehicles, cards, and so on do not display a license number.

Protect yourself by asking about a contractor's license before hiring him. Ask to see the license and his worker's compensation and liability insurance.

What Happens if I Hire an Unlicensed Contractor and There is a Problem?

Problems may occur during your construction project. Work may be low quality, the contractor may abandon the job, or you may refuse to pay the contractor. States handle such disputes with unlicensed contractors differently:

Some states follow a strict rule that does not allow an unlicensed contractor to recover on the contract. In those cases, contracts with unlicensed contractors are illegal and unenforceable by the contractor.
Other states follow a rule of substantial compliance. If the contractor follows most of the rules a licensed contractor must follow, he can enforce the contract. This is because the public was not harmed by the violation as the contractor complied with the appropriate standards. These states may allow restitution to unlicensed contractors who are not paid if a licensed contractor supervised their work, the reason they have no license is minor, such as forgetting to renew, or the contractor posted a performance bond.
Some states say that if you knowingly enter into a contract with an unlicensed contractor, you are not allowed to use the fact that the contractor is unlicensed as a defense for non-payment. Note that an unlicensed contractor can still file suit for fraud and deceit

Should I Contact a Lawyer About my Problem with an Unlicensed Contractor?

Because the law varies from state to state, it may be helpful to contact a lawyer to determine your rights and remedies. A lawyer can defend you if an unlicensed contractor sues you for payment, and a lawyer can also help you sue an unlicensed contractor if they breached your agreement.

Do Black Owned Businesses Get a Fair Shake?

03/12/2012 16:02:00

This topic has been up for discussion for decades. See President Obama's address to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Here's the link: http://www.bet.com/news/politics/2011/09/25/transcript-president-obama-s-address-to-the-congressional-black-caucus.html

Government Bail Out!

03/06/2012 20:53:00

The McGill Group, LLC is now offering a 20% Bail Out on all home improvement projects!!!

Tax time is the perfect time to use the money that you get back from the government to fix, repair, and upgrade your home.

Call now for a free estimate 1-800-528-0843!

Banks Are Not Supporting SBA Loan Program???

11/15/2011 11:35:00

There are many suggestions/blogs and so forth stating reasons that the banks are not supporting SBA/Obama programs for lending money to small businesses. I would like to hear from you all on what you believe the reason for the banks not using the $30 billion dollars set aside (taxpayer dollars) for strictly small business lending???

Improved Government Regulations for Small Businesses

11/03/2011 17:55:00

President Obama's Executive Order is great for small business! It kills most small businesses when they have to do Net30 days before getting paid by federal agencies. Thanks to this Executive Order by President Obama, the government can now pay small businesses on Net15 days. This is great news for us small business owners.

Join Us On Facebook

10/12/2011 13:12:00

Please join us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/homeimprovementexperts to get all of the latest specials and discounts that we offer.

Financing Available

09/27/2011 14:31:00

The McGill Group is now working with M&T Bank to offer financing to our customers. Whether it is 203k fix up loan or a loan just to remodel your kitchen. Call us today and we will estimate the cost and have you complete the loan application!

Ways To Save Money with Home Improvements

09/22/2011 18:38:00

Ways to Save Money During Winter Months:

Each home’s problems are different, but there are some energy efficient recommendations that we frequently make:

A. Sealing Air Leaks and Adding Insulation. These are critical first steps to improving the energy efficiency of your home.

B. Improving Heating and Cooling Systems. If your furnace or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label may improve heating bills.

C. Repairing Ductwork. Sealing leaks, making sure ducts are straight and properly connected, and insulating where needed, will greatly improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

D. Replacing Windows. If it’s time to replace your home’s windows, we recommend ENERGY STAR qualified models specific to your climate.

E. Upgrading Lighting, Appliances, and Water Heating Equipment. Energy used in these areas can account for nearly half your utility bill, so there’s a big opportunity to save by installing ENERGY STAR qualified products. Available incentives in Virginia.

F. Installing Renewable Energy Systems. Once energy efficient improvements have been made to your home, there are additional measures that you can take, like installing solar panels or a solar hot water system.

Heavy Rainfall in the Metro Area

09/08/2011 09:46:00

Homes and businesses are experiencing flooding to basements and leaky roofs due to heavy rainfall in the metropolitan area. Call on The McGill Group to solve these unfortunate issues for you! Do not hesitate and let the problem worsen, call today! 1-800-528-0843 or visit http://www.metrorestores.com/Contact-Us.html to contact us.

The McGill Group Has Received an A+ Accreditation

07/26/2011 09:44:00

On behalf of The Mcgill Group, I would like to thank all of our customers for the role they played in helping us achieve an A+ accreditation through the Better Business Bureau! Thank you all and we (The McGill Group) will not forget about you.