Thank you. I'd love to have an opportunity to bid on your jobs.
Not to pick on you or to bag unduly on your guy but since I'm the nosey, suspicious type looking at your remodel as a "fer instance" may help you and others here watching the thread (If you want me to delete this post, send me a PM)...
Here's the kinds of things you guys can find out about your contractors through L and I:
https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/Detail ... 887OG&SAW=Looking into Santiago, I see he has a "specialty contractor's" license. Meaning he can perform ONE of the trade tasks in DOL's list of licensed trades....
In your contractor's case it seems like he's been fairly good at what he does in that he hasn't gotten caught doing anything untoward... except once in Seattle. Operating without a license, or while license was suspended (building a fence). It appears to be the state of WA license he was missing(?) City licenses are another matter.
City business licenses are a particular pet peeve of mine. Each CITY demands the purchase of a city business license to conduct business within their municipal borders. That means a city license for, potentially, every different job! (Now how many guys go and purchase each license.... dunno)
Food for thought:
- Which specialty license does he carry?
- What's the scope of his remodel at your house? (and how does that apply to his specialty?)
- Do you know the limits of his bond and insurance?
*Santiago appears to be carrying ample insurance ($1,000,000) as long as he stays within the limits of his licensing you should be good there. And he has posted a savings account in lieu of purchasing a bond (this is a pretty good frugal method; instead of paying $200 or so a year purchasing a bond, he is getting 1% interest on a saving account)
- Is he subbing out the parts of the job not covered by his own license? (electrical, plumbing, structural etc.?)
- Did he get his business listed on those sub's insurance as "also insured"?
- Did he provide you with lien releases for those contractors? (If that's important to you)
- Are parts of the job permitted? Did he actually get the permits?
That is a partial list of considerations.
DOR also has information on contractors.
All of you guys should read my latest post on the "what has pissed you off" thread and see what going into such a thing half informed or, in that lady's case, irrationally trusting can do to your wallet and house.