Contractor question

Ok so we had a contractor at the house today to give us an estimate on some work we want done. I like to get MANY estimates but DH really liked this guy and was satisfied with the price-- honestly I am not sure if its a good price or not because we had no one else come yet. But DH really likes him.

I want to check his Lic# and see if there are any complaints and what not. Besides BBB does anyone else know other ways to check a contractor.

Re: Contractor question

i would only use someone that islisted with BBB, did u try the phone number search

Re: Contractor question

You can check Nassau or Suffolk county Dept. of Commerce Licensing division.

The number for Nassau is 516-571-3871. They can also tell you if they have complaints for the contractor. You need to check with the county you reside in, even if the contractor is based in Suffolk, they need a Nassau license to do work in Nassau.

I checked yesterday and glad I did! We were torn between two contractors, but one was not licensed at all! They told us they were too--guess they lied!

I've found bbb doesn't list everyone. I've hired some really good people who aren't there at all.

Re: Contractor question

You can go to the courthouse and look up if they had any lawsuits filed against them.

Re: Contractor question

I would do what the other PP suggested as well as ask the contractor for #s for previous people that hired him. call them up. ask questions. even ask if you can stop by and see his work.

Re: Contractor question

J,

As others have said, ask for his business license, references and also proof of insurance.

Re: Contractor question

He gave us his license number. I am having a hard time finding him on BBB. I called Suffolk County Dept of consumer affairs. They hsave a license check and complaint check but they have not called me back yet. I will call again.

Thanks everyone