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Why Should I Choose a Contractor Who is Insured and Bonded?

Sep 08, 2021

We’ve all seen the stories in the news about home and business owners – often people just like you – who have lost enormous amounts of money to contractors who did not have the proper insurance coverages, performed shoddy work on construction projects, or were simply
flat-out dishonest and ran off with the customer’s money without ever finishing the job. For the past five years, contractors in general have consistently ranked in the top 10 list of consumer inquiries to the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit organization that works to promote ethical business practices and mediate complaints between customers and businesses.


How can you avoid falling prey to the schemes of contractors who are at best, unqualified; and at worst, straight-out scammers? The best way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that any contractor you hire to do work on your home or business is fully
insured and bonded. Again, before you even consider hiring a contractor, you should always request documentation that the contractor possesses the necessary insurance coverages and is bonded, as well.


So, what does it mean to be “insured” and “bonded?” First of all, let’s discuss the difference between the two. A contractor who is properly insured will possess a few different types of insurance. One is liability insurance. This means that, should any liability claims arise while a construction job is being performed on your property, the insurance will cover these claims. This ensures that you won’t be held legally responsible for any such issues that might arise. For example, if a contractor were to inadvertently
damage your property – or even that of a neighbor – while construction work is being carried out at your home or business, liability insurance would pay for the damage to the property. Another type of insurance a contractor should have is worker’s compensation. Workers’ compensation covers payment to any of the contractor’s workers who happen to become injured while working on your property during the construction job. In more extreme cases, it can even cover benefits to a worker’s family if he (or she) should lose their life in the course of carrying out the job.


Bonding is different. When a contractor is “bonded”, it means that they have purchased a surety bond to ensure that you are financially protected if the contractor doesn’t finish a job they are hired to perform for you, or even if the work is below standards. Should this happen, you are financially protected against loss. The insurance provided by a company’s bond guarantees you a certain amount of financial protection should this happen. Bonding also protects you if the contractor fails to perform necessary tasks relating to the job; for example, if they don’t pay for permits they’ve pulled relating to the job, or fail to pay subcontractors for work done on your property. Finally, bonding ensures the job will be completed within the estimated cost.


If you are in doubt about whether a contractor is insured and/or bonded, the Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. The website “Angie’s List” is another place you might find helpful. This website complies ratings of companies nationwide. However, keep in mind that, even if the contractor you are hiring has a good reputation with the above entities, it’s still a good idea to request your own proof! You should always check for yourself. Remember that any legitimate contractor will be happy to provide you
with this information before commencing work on a job for you. And hiring a contractor who possesses bonding and insurance will ensure that you and your family have a smooth consumer experience.

It’s true that hiring a contractor who is fully bonded and insured may seem like a lot of trouble, and it can sometimes be more expensive. However, it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run, and give you far more peace of mind that you are protected in
every eventuality.

As a final note, any contractor you hire should be fully licensed, as well.

For a licensed and bonded contractor, call Wright Building Systems at (636) 600-0011 or visit us online at
https://wrightbuildingsystems.com.

Sources:
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/hiring-contractor-whats-difference-between-bonded-and-insured.htm
https://www.netquote.com/home-insurance/bonded-and-insured-contractors

Why Hiring Professionals for Office Renovations Is Essential for Success

08 May, 2024
Maintaining an efficient and appealing workspace is crucial for productivity, employee morale, and overall success in the fast-paced business world. As a business owner, you may want to take on office renovations as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project to save costs and exercise creative control. However, while the prospect of DIY renovations may seem appealing, there are several compelling reasons why hiring professionals is the wiser choice. Expertise and Experience Professional contractors specializing in office renovations bring years of expertise and experience. They understand the intricacies of commercial construction, local building codes, and industry best practices. With their knowledge, they can efficiently navigate the renovation process, anticipate potential challenges, and deliver high-quality results that meet your specifications. Time Savings DIY office renovations often take much longer to complete than initially anticipated. Without the necessary skills and resources, you may spend countless hours researching, planning, and executing tasks. In contrast, professional contractors have streamlined processes and access to a network of suppliers and subcontractors, allowing them to complete renovations promptly and minimize disruptions to your business operations.

Tips for Office Renovations

10 Apr, 2024
How long has it been since you refreshed your office space? Choosing to rebuild entirely or renovate what you already have is a critical decision, and while rebuilding can yield excellent results, renovations may be more cost-effective and timely. We've helped business owners across the St. Louis region renovate their spaces and improve productivity. Let's discuss some tips that will help propel your office renovations and give your team the space they deserve. Assessing Your Needs and Setting Goals Before diving into the renovation process, it is essential to step back and evaluate your current workspace. Identify pain points, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Are there bottlenecks in workflow? Is the layout conducive to collaboration and productivity? By pinpointing these issues, you can establish clear renovation objectives and desired outcomes. Business owners should consider budget constraints and timelines to ensure the team has realistic expectations from the outset. Envisioning Your Ideal Workspace With goals in mind, it's time to unleash your creativity and envision the future of your workspace. Draw inspiration from various sources such as design magazines, websites, and competitor spaces. Engage with your employees to understand their preferences and needs. What elements would enhance their work experience? Creating a mood board or vision board can crystallize your ideas and visualize the desired aesthetic and functionality. Finding the Right Contractor Choosing the right contractor is a pivotal step in the renovation process—research and vet potential candidates with experience in commercial office renovations. Ask for referrals and view past projects to assess quality and reliability. Obtain multiple quotes and compare services, timelines, and pricing to make an informed decision. Remember, communication is key—select a contractor who listens to your vision and collaborates effectively. Collaborating with Your Contractor Once you've chosen a contractor, establish open lines of communication and set clear expectations. Communicate your vision, goals, and budget constraints. Collaborate on establishing a timeline and project milestones to track progress effectively. Throughout the renovation, maintain regular communication to promptly address any concerns or changes. A collaborative partnership between you and your contractor is essential for a successful outcome.

Commercial Roofing Project Tips

07 Mar, 2024
While unseen to the average patron, a commercial building's roof is a critical and complex infrastructure that must be tended to regularly. Precision, planning, and attention to detail are paramount for city commercial roofing projects. Whether you're working on a contemporary skyscraper or a historic landmark, the challenges and requirements can vary significantly. This blog explores some valuable tips to ensure the success of your next commercial roofing project. Thorough Assessment and Planning Before embarking on any roofing project, a comprehensive assessment of the roof's current condition is crucial. Identify structural issues, drainage problems, and insulation needs to form the foundation of your project plan. A detailed plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, budget, and required resources is essential for streamlining operations and minimizing disruptions. Choose the Right Materials Selecting the appropriate roofing materials is a critical decision that directly impacts the durability and longevity of the structure. Consider weather conditions, building design, and energy efficiency when selecting materials. In metropolitan areas, where pollution and urban environmental factors can pose additional challenges, opting for materials with enhanced resistance can prolong the roof's lifespan. Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations Navigating the maze of building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards is non-negotiable for any commercial roofing project. Ensure your team obtains all necessary permits and approvals before commencing work to avoid delays and legal complications. Compliance safeguards your project and enhances your reputation as a responsible contractor.
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