Handyman Insurance, Keeping a detailed “paper trail” can save you money on a Handyman Contractor
The Registrar of Contractors (ROC) annually receives between 11,000 and 13,000 complaints against licensed contractors, approximately 7,000 complaints against people engaged in unlawful contracting practices which includes unlicensed contracting and more than 700 claims filed with the ROC Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund. Most of these complaints are favorably resolved by our office with little or no cost to either party; however, a percentage of these complaints must be resolved formally by an administrative hearing. The administrative hearing process can be lengthy, expensive and emotionally challenging for everyone involved.
Many of the cases resolved through an administrative hearing could have been resolved more quickly if the customer or the contractor had maintained proper construction documents. Customers should expect and require that standard business practices be followed when having any construction work performed. Making a construction contract, keeping receipts, lien releases and other documents will, many times, avoid the need for an administrative hearing. Reputable contractors expect that these documents will be used. Customers should contact the ROC if the contractor is unable or unwilling to correct any construction problem or to comply with the terms of the construction documents.
One primary purpose of a contract and the associated contract documents is to avoid confusion. Contracts that are clearly understood by all parties have a higher probability for avoiding an administrative hearing and, if an administrative hearing is required, the hearing process is more easily resolved. The following items, while not all-inclusive, are very common requirements in the construction industry and should be used as a guide when planning a construction project. The following items will greatly assist you in resolving any construction dispute that may occur.