Hurricane
Working with contractors: avoiding scams
Be sure the business hired to install a generator is reputable and responsible.
Verify that a contractor holds a valid license for work in the specific trade. For work in Broward County or Miami-Dade County, a contractor should hold a license from the specific county or from the state of Florida.
Broward County Contractor Licensing and Enforcement, 954-765-4400, www.broward.org/building.
Miami-Dade County office of Building Code Compliance, 311, www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode or 311.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 954-917-1330.
Other tips for hiring a contractor:
Avoid contractors who require large payments before doing the work. The payments should reflect approximately the work that's been done.
Avoid paying in cash. A check, written to the business contracted to do the work, offers a record.
Be wary if the contractor requests that the resident obtain a permit. A licensed contractor in good standing should obtain the permits.
Request that a proposal, contract or agreement be submitted in writing.
Do not sign a completion certificate, until all the work is completed according to the contract, your satisfaction and all required inspections and approvals from the appropriate building department.
Sources: Broward County Building Code Services Division Contractor and Licensing Enforcement
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