Protect Yourself by Hiring a Licensed Contractor for Your Spring Project Plans

Article Presented By Rathkamp Financial…

(Columbus) – As the spring building season gets underway, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance reminds business owners and property managers that there are resources available to verify licensed, commercial contractors.

The Division, through its Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), licenses commercial contractors to ensure they meet state standards, uphold safety regulations and deliver quality work. OCILB is responsible for issuing licenses to qualified electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics and refrigeration commercial contractors. 

“Hiring a licensed contractor provides an assurance that you are working with someone who meets Ohio’s professional and safety standards,” OCILB’s Contractor Administrator Michael Baisden said. “Before beginning a commercial project, it’s important to take the time to verify that your contractor is properly licensed because it could save you valuable time and money, while avoiding unnecessary risks.”

How to Verify a Commercial Contractor:

• Verify a commercial contractor is licensed with the state of Ohio by searching the Division’s online database.
• Check the contractor’s qualifications by asking if they hold a journeyman card or have completed a state-approved apprenticeship program. Request documentation to confirm their qualifications.
• Ask your county, city or township building department to verify that the contractor is licensed or registered to work in your area and ask if permits are required for the specific work being completed. 
• Request proof of the contractor’s insurance and verify with the insurance company that the policy is active and provides adequate coverage. 
• Complete reference checks with previous clients and verify that the contractor has completed similar projects successfully. 
• Review any written contract before work begins. Ensure it includes clear details about the project, timeline and payment terms.

Contractor Red Flags to Look For:

If any of the below situations occur when engaging with a contractor, Ohioans should consider doing more research prior to starting that work, or consider working with another individual altogether.

• You are unable to find the contractor’s name and license information in the Division’s online database.
• A contractor is unable to provide documentation that verifies their qualifications.
• A contractor refuses to obtain necessary permits.
• A contractor refuses to share references for client research purposes, or the references do not share positive experiences.
•  A contractor is pressuring you into making quick decisions about signing contracts.
•  A contractor asks for a large (or even full) down payment before starting work.
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

In the event you have a negative experience with a commercial contractor, you are urged to file a complaint with the OCILB by clicking here. 

While residential contractors are not required to be licensed by the state, local building departments throughout Ohio may have their own verification or licensing requirements. Ohioans with complaints about residential contractors should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Protection Section at 1-800-282-0515 and/or their local building department.

Licensed contractors not only demonstrate expertise, but they also comply with Ohio’s building codes and safety regulations. While hiring unlicensed individuals might seem like a cost-saving measure, it can lead to costly mistakes, unsafe working conditions, and potential legal issues. For more information and to verify licensed contractors, visit the Board’s page at com.ohio.gov/OCILB.