Construction Frequently Asked Questions

Clermont ContractorQuestion
I have read a lot about homeowner's being ripped off by contractors. What actions can I take to protect from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous contractor?

Answer
There are the obvious precautions- Use only properly licensed and insured contractors with a good reputation. Call and speak to their previous customers that are used as references. Check on-line to see if previous complaints have been filed with State of Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

We have all heard the Golden Rule- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". There is likewise a Golden Rule for homeowners having work performed on their home. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pay in advance for material or labor until that portion of the project is completed. A legitimate contractor should never ask for money up front before he accomplishes any work. If the contractor is supplying plans, you should expect to pay a draw for that portion of the work AFTER the plans are completed. If the contractor has a draw for concrete, you should pay for that work AFTER the concrete is properly installed. An immediate red flag should be raised if a contractor asks for a percentage of the contact amount, before any work is performed. There have been numerous times I have been called by a distraught homeowner who has paid a contractor in advance, and then no work or very little work has been performed. All of this can be avoided if you simply obey the Golden Rule for homeowners. (Note: The only exception to this rule is for very costly custom items that have to be ordered and paid for in advance by the contractor)

A contractor has the right under Florida Law to place a lien on your property if he is not paid for the legitimate work he has performed. This law takes away a lot of the risk a contractor has for not being paid, and therefore a professional contractor should not receive compensation for work that has not been completed and approved by the Building Dept.
 

Question
Should I ask to see a contractor's general liability insurance and workers compensation?

Answer
Absolutely. The State of Florida requires all contractors to carry a minimum of $300,000.00. Competent contractors usually carry more than the minimum. Kalos Services currently carries $2,000,000.00 aggregate limit on our general liability insurance. This insurance protects your property from damage and any individuals that may be harmed due to the construction activity on your premises.
 

Question
Why should I choose a contractor for my remodel project that uses their own employees to perform most of the work?

Answer
It gives the contractor much greater control in scheduling and quality control. Remodel work generally requires multiple trips for subcontractors due to various phases needed to complete a task. (Demo, temporary service, final installation) Having our own employees skilled in multiple trades allows us to more efficiently complete a project. Kalos Services attempts to perform a majority of the work with our own employees, and use subcontractors only when practical. We have all heard contractors blame their subcontractors for not keeping the schedule or for poor quality, this is not our practice.
 

Question
How long does it take to get started on a construction project?

Answer
Once a contract is signed, it can take as little as a week or as long as 6 weeks, depending on how much design work is needed. Generally on a residential renovation project it takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
 

Question
Can a licensed handyman perform the same work as contractor?

Answer
NO. Only licensed contractors can perform Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, or Roofing work.
 

Question
What is a Notice of Commencement?

Answer
A Notice of Commencement is required for every project that costs over $2,500.00. This notice is filled out by the homeowner and filed with the county Recording Dept. This gives any material supplier or sub contractor the information needed to notify the homeowner that they have supplied labor and/or material, and that they have a right to place a lien on the property if they are not paid. The form used to notify the homeowner is called a Notice to Owner. The contractor should give a release of lien to the homeowner for every Notice to Owner that the homeowner receives. These releases should be obtained by the homeowner BEFORE they pay the contractor.