The troubles of the economy have helped to expose a number of contractors who are working without proper licensing.
Press Release Service – Wired PR News — A Florida homebuilder helped state investigators expose unlicensed contractors who are taking business from those who do the job legally. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), John Liddel decided to take action after dealing with the issue of high competition from unlicensed contractors when he tried to supplement his income by remodeling homes. Many of them reportedly charge less because they don’t have to worry about paying for insurance or other required fees, which enables them to outbid contractors who are licensed.
As noted by the AP, Liddel allowed a sting operation to be done using one of his own properties as bait. The investigation resulted in 15 illegal contractors being exposed in two days. Liddel is quoted by the AP as stating, “I just got fed up with it. I don’t mind losing work but I don’t want to lose work where people are underbidding me because they don’t pay insurance, they don’t pay their taxes and so forth.” Liddel went on to say, “With the economy the way it is today now, there’s just so many people out there that don’t have jobs and so what they’re doing is running a little ad in the paper saying they’re remodelers.”
As further noted by the AP, it is not known if the problem has become more common because of the economy or if it’s just more noticeable because of it. Another reported issue with illegal contractors is that some unsuspecting homeowners are allowing some people with criminal records, including sex offenders, inside their homes.
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Photo Credit: © Andrew Dunn, 10 October 2004.
Website: http://www.andrewdunnphoto.com/
