Consumer Protection – Contracting

Tips When Hiring a Contractor

Home improvement contractors of various skills must be licensed with the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB). The license number must be displayed on advertising as well as on contracts. You can verify a contractor’s license number and check any complaints by contacting the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at (727) 582-3100.

• Check with the Office of Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 to determine the number of complaints against a business.
• Ask the contractor for references and follow through with verifying them.
• Never deal with anyone who solicits or appears at your home unannounced.
• Obtain a minimum of two bids for the work to be done.
• All work should be specifically stated in the contract.
• An approximate starting and completion date should be included.
• All warranties including labor and materials should be addressed.
• A payment schedule should be contained in the contract.
• Do not give a large deposit before the beginning of work and do not pay the balance until completion.
• A three-day right to cancel rarely applies to home improvement contracts.
• Do not sign a blank contract or one containing blank spaces.
• Watch for non-refundable deposits and non-escrow accounts. In new home construction, part of the purchase price must be escrowed (this can be waived).

Important Notice

It is essential that upon completion of the job and before the final payment is made, that the homeowner receive from the contractor a Contractor’s Affidavit which signifies that all subcontractors and materials have been paid on this job.

Note: If you obtain a building permit for an unlicensed activity, you are held responsible for the work, not the contractor, and you may be prosecuted in court for aiding and abetting an unlicensed contractor.

If you have any questions, contact the Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200.