COMMUNITY SERVICES MAIN   |   PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT    |   BUILDING/ZONING
PERMITS   |   SCHEDULING AN INSPECTION    |   CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR   |   REGISTERING AS A CONTRACTOR 
POOL/SPA INSPECTIONS    |    TREE REMOVAL/PRUNING    |    FAQs   |   BUILDING CODES & STATUTES

Click on the following useful guide: How to Protect Yourself from Unlicensed Contractors

CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

Here are some suggestions to assist in choosing a contractor.

• Ask people you know for names of contractors they have used.
• Do not be hesitant to check references, licensing and background information on the contractor you are choosing by calling the Better Business Bureau of West Florida at (727) 535-5522.
• Make sure that lines of communication are good between you and the contractor you choose.
• Check to see if the contractor's license is current and valid by calling:

  Temple Terrace Permit Office at (813) 989-7132
  Hillsborough County Licensing Office at (813) 635-7308

• Check the contractor’s insurance coverage. A legitimate contractor should carry comprehensive policies to protect his business and your property, including liability, property damage and worker’s compensation.

These offices can verify if an individual or company is properly licensed and insured for your protection. Additional information can also be provided regarding the type of license that is held and the type of work that can be legally performed.

Understanding a Contract

Regardless of the relationship you have with a contractor , the details and agreements of the job should be in writing. Here are some suggestions to follow:

• Ask for written quotes with details. It is advisable to obtain at least three contractors to provide separate quotes. Too often one may provide information the others have failed to notice or mention. Remember the lowest quote is not always the best one. It could mean a misunderstanding of the project.
• Include building plans and specifications you want into the proposal and include them as part of any contract.
• Specify start and finish dates in the contract. Build into these dates some time estimate for bad whether and unavailable materials, understanding that these situations are beyond control of the contractors.
• Include in the contract a pay schedule for the work and itemize prices for the work. Large down payments are not always a necessity. It is always recommended that a payment schedule be established prior to commencing the work to avoid confusion when it comes to money. You may want to include in the contract a clause that final payment will not be due until a final inspection is received by the city building department.
• Have your contractor provide any warranties and guaranties in writing and signed by the contractor and/or manufacturers. They should include all terms and conditions.
• Make sure that you and the contractor sign all documents, preferably with multiple copies containing original signatures.
• DEMAND THAT THE CONTRACTOR POST A PERMIT BEFORE COMMENCING ANY WORK.
• INQUIRE ABOUT A NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT.