Similar to obtaining a Maryland Driver's license, MD also mandates that all handyman contractors performing home improvements and repairs must be licensed. If they don't have a license, they are not legally able to perform this type of work. And if they aren't legally able to work in MD, you are putting yourself at risk in more ways than you know!
Why is a License Important?
So, when a MD handyman contractor holds a license, it proves that he or she has met certain standards and is bound to uphold MD's laws and regulations to maintain and retain that license. Acquiring a MD contractor's license is an expensive and time consuming endeavor, but one which shows perseverance and commitment to becoming legally certified to perform that trade. Acquiring that license also demonstrates that contractors are serious about each job they do, and that they won’t cut corners when it comes to their work on your home improvement project. On the other hand, an unlicensed contractor cannot demonstrate nor legally state the same assurance to you.
What is this MHIC Number I See on Contractor Trucks and Websites?
The Maryland Home Improvement Commission or MHIC licenses and regulates home improvement contractors in MD, including those that work in your Montgomery and Howard counties. When you see an MHIC number, e.g., MHIC #: 138122, on the side of a truck, you can be assured this contractor has been certified by the MHIC to a licensed service in MD.
Additionally, the MHIC investigates complaints by homeowners, awards monetary damages against licensed contractors, and prosecutes violators of the home improvement law. However, and this is important, the MHIC will not compensate you for an unlicensed contractor's negligence or "poor" workmanship.
That is, the MHIC has a Guaranty Fund supported by licensed MD contractors, who pay a Guaranty Fund assessment when they obtain their Home Improvement license and each time they renew their license. This Fund compensates MD homeowners for actual monetary losses due to poor workmanship or failure to perform a home improvement contract. And, this fund only applies to work done by licensed MD contractors.
However, that's not all. All licensed contractors in MD must also carry General Liability Insurance or GLI, which protects a homeowner by covering the costs of damages and repairs for sub-par performance. Since an unlicensed contractor does not have GLI, in this same situation it is the homeowner who has to pay to fix the issue. Unlicensed contractors are not able to get GLI because they are, well, unlicensed! And because MD contractors are licensed, the MHIC performs a fiduciary review on each contractor and investigates criminal background history prior to awarding or renewing an MHIC license. An unlicensed handyman has not been reviewed by any authority nor can they assure you they are either legitimate contractors or have a clean criminal background.
How do I Verify if a Handyman is Licensed?
When the time comes to hire a handyman for your home repairs you can easily verify that he or she is licensed, insured, and deemed safe to work in your home by visiting the MHIC License Verification website. You can search by Personal or Contractor Name, Location or MHIC license number.
Here you can also see if there are any open or unresolved complaints filed against them.
When home improvement contractors have too many complaints, they could lose their license, so you want to make sure their license is active. Too many complaints should be an obvious red flag regardless and a likely indication that you should seek other contractors.
And finally, when you do meet with a handyman contractor in person, you are entitled to ask to see his or her license.
Now you know, it is much more prudent to hire a licensed contractor! Call or text me today at (240) 324-8081 to schedule your home improvement and repair needs.
Comments