BUYER BEWARE! What to Look For When Hiring a Painter

I see a lot of people asking for contractor recommendations, and I also see plenty of contractors advertising their services. I’m writing this because I’ve personally seen far too many homeowners get taken advantage of by dishonest or unqualified people. As a licensed and insured Home Improvement Contractor in Suffolk County, I want to share some basic information that every homeowner should know before hiring anyone.

First and foremost, all home improvement contractors must be licensed to work on your home in Suffolk County. There is no special exception for a “handyman.” If someone is doing home improvement work, they must also be licensed. Another major issue people overlook is Workers Compensation Insurance. If a contractor employs workers, they must carry Workers Comp. If they are a sole proprietor working alone, they can obtain a waiver. However, if a contractor hires local day laborers and they are not covered under Workers Comp, and one of them gets hurt on your property, that injured worker can sue YOU for damages and injuries. Many homeowners have no idea this risk even exists until it’s too late.

It’s also extremely important to understand that a Home Improvement Contractor license does not include electrical or plumbing work. Those are separate licenses entirely. Do not let your contractor touch anything electrical or plumbing-related unless they are properly licensed for those trades. Most legitimate contractors hire licensed subcontractors for electrical and plumbing. You should be cautious of the “Jack of all Trades” guys who claim they can do everything. They often know just enough to sound professional, but if they aren’t licensed for the specific work they’re doing, you could be the one held responsible if something goes wrong. In many cases, homeowner’s insurance will not cover damages caused by unlicensed work.

By law, Suffolk County Code §563-17D requires contractors to include their license number in all advertising, including business cards and social media posts. If they don’t include their license number, that should be your first red flag. Suffolk County Code §563-21D also requires contractors to provide a written estimate that includes a start time and end time, a description of the work being performed, and a breakdown of labor and material costs. In addition, all contractors must carry liability insurance, and homeowners should always ask to see proof of it. If they can’t provide it, don’t hire them. Any legitimate contractor will have proof of insurance readily available because it is required to obtain and maintain their license. When I was contracting, I always provided a copy of my license and proof of insurance with every estimate so the homeowner knew they were protected.

Before hiring anyone, you should also check Suffolk County’s “Wall of Shame.” If a contractor appears on that list, you should not hire them. You can find it here: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Consumer-Affairs/Wall-of-Shame. For a complete listing of laws governing home improvement contractors, you can also visit: https://ecode360.com/14947425.

Another important point is that reputable contractors pull permits. They know what work requires permits and inspections, and they follow building codes and best practices. If a contractor tries to talk you out of pulling permits or seems afraid of inspections, RUN. That’s usually a sign they don’t want their work examined. Also, don’t expect a quality contractor to start immediately. Many good contractors have wait lists because they stay busy from word-of-mouth referrals. In all the years I was a contractor, I never advertised because recommendations kept me consistently booked. At one point, I had a six-month waiting list. Plan your projects accordingly.

Yes, licensed and insured contractors often charge more than unlicensed ones, and there’s a reason for that. Running a legitimate business comes with overhead: insurance, licensing fees, Workers Compensation, payroll, and taxes. That additional cost translates into protection for the homeowner. If you hire someone unlicensed to do work and they do it wrong, damage something, or injure someone, you could be financially responsible. For example, you hire a handyman to hang kitchen cabinets, everything seems fine for weeks or months, then suddenly the cabinets fall because they weren’t attached properly. Someone could get seriously hurt or killed, especially a child. Or you hire a guy to do “small electrical work” like an outlet or light fixture. A short occurs, a fire starts, and now your home is damaged. If the work was unlicensed, your insurance may not cover it. There are millions of stories like this.

I understand times are tough and everyone wants the best work for the best price, but please don’t cheap out on having work done correctly. Don’t be lured into “It’s just a small project… my friend’s guy can do it.” Always check references. Visit recent projects and talk to past clients. Most contractors are proud to show their work and happy customers, and if they aren’t, don’t hire them. Check their license status here: https://ca.suffolkcountyny.gov/dcasearch. Ask to see proof of insurance. Get three estimates, even if it takes time. Contractors are busy. Plan ahead and make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Don’t be a victim. Protect yourself, your home, and your family.