Wes Hamilton offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print. Feel free to use this article in your newsletter, website, ezine, blog, or forum. ----------- PUBLICATION GUIDELINES - You have permission to publish this article for free providing the "About the Author" box is included in its entirety. - Do not post/reprint this article in any site or publication that contains hate, violence, porn, warez, or supports illegal activity. - Do not use this article in violation of the US CAN-SPAM Act. If sent by email, this article must be delivered to opt-in subscribers only. - If you publish this article in a format that supports linking, please ensure that all URLs and email addresses are active links. - Please send a copy of the publication, or an email indicating the URL to [email protected] - Article Marketer (www.ArticleMarketer.com) has distributed this article on behalf of the author. Article Marketer does not own this article, please respect the author's copyright and publication guidelines. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this article. ----------- Article Title: Always Hire A Licensed Contractor Author: Wes Hamilton Category: Word Count: 478 Keywords: business,home,home improvement,remodeling,background check,contractor,contracting,plumber,plumbing Author's Email Address: [email protected] Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com ------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------
Renovating or building your home should be a positive experience free from stress and worry. But did you know that electrical and gas installations and renovations can pose some of the most serious safety risks in the home? Do-it-yourself might make sense when it comes to some home improvements, but when it comes to doing electrical or gas work , its best that you rely on the experts. Simply put, hiring licensed contractors provides peace of mind. So while you're thinking about renovations that involve gas and electricity, think about the legal requirements and benefits of hiring a licensed contractor to do the work. Laws and regulations Every province and municipality has its own set of laws and regulations that must be followed. A licensed contractor works with these every day, and knows what work is regulated, and requires permits and inspections. Doing regulated electrical and gas work without a permit is illegal, and may jeopardize your insurance or the re-sale value of your home, not to mention your family's safety. Quality and qualifications In order to be licensed, a contractor must have the training, expertise and experience required to do the job well, safely and to code. While a license does'nt guarantee quality, it provides you with some assurance that the contractor has adequate knowledge and experience in his or her field. Before issuing a license, the provincial licensing agency or board will verify the contractor's background and be satisfied that the person is qualified to hold such a license. For example, all gas and electrical contractors doing regulated work are required, under the Safety Standards Act, to hold a valid license issued by the Local Authorities. The license ensures the contractor and the people employed by the contractor are qualified and can perform the work safely. Licenses must be renewed annually and require certain qualifications are met, including a $10,000 surety bond. Finding a licensed contractor No matter how you find a contractor, its important to confirm he or she is a licensed contractor. Ask to see the license, or contact your licensing authority. Sometimes its difficult to find a licensed contractor who can take on the work when you want it done. You may be tempted to do the work yourself, or go with an unlicensed contractor. Dont! Work done improperly can impact you and your family's safety, whereas having the work done by a licensed contractor will give you assurance and peace of mind that it is done safely. Good licensed contractors are busy because they are in demand. Many people think its okay to hire their neighbors or friends, if they are licensed electricians or gas fitters. This is not so. The person they hire must be a licensed contractor. This is important for the homeowner because contractors are bonded. If subsequent safety issues arise and the contractor refuses to fix them, the Local Authority can call in the bond and have the work made safe. Wes Hamilton is the owner of PLUMB PRO, INC a full service plumbing company in Alabama. Visit our website for more Free Information and PICTURES. Visit http://www.plumbpro.net/ and http://www.plumbproinc.com/ ------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
