Star Pump and Sprinkler Blog

Web-site screening services

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:26:36 +0000

SERVICE WEB-SITES SCREENING OF LICENESES

Again I find myself back to the license subject as I have had more than three new customers in June call me because they thought that the “screening company” they used was accurate. I use several different sites to advertise, but some that say that they have 10-point screening and state-of-the art background checks really are not as thorough as a homeowner can be. Did you know that these companies usually will only check a license of a business on a state level. Most of the contractors that use these referral services require a county license which is not verified by the “screening service” because, from what I was told is (get this one) there are too many counties in too many states to verify that many licenses. This just continues to burn me up. Along with several other legitimately licensed contractors, I am continuously competing for work against unlicensed companies that aren’t really supposed to be advertising with these screening services. Homeowners, please bookmark the link below for Broward County to verify licenses even if you get your information from a referral service.

Earth Day Should Be Everyday

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:41:18 +0000

Earth Day is celebrated only once a year, but we all live here and we should all do our part every day to help keep our environment healthy for generations to come. I recently sent an email blast out to you, offering different specials to our customers until the end of the month and in honor of Earth Day, I’ve decided to continue our discounted price for the Rain Sensor. I’ve also done a little research and was glad to see that www.wateruseitwisely.com offers over 100 ways to save water and five of the top twenty concern irrigation. Below is a list of just a few things you can do yourself, or call us and we’ll check them for you.

Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

(Does your system need adjustment?)

Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

(Have you checked for leaks?)

#12

Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

(Is your time clock set correctly?)

#18

If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.

(are your zones functioning properly?)

#19

We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.

(Does your system have geysers & leaks?)

Remember my previous blog, always use a licensed contractor for the best results. I am again posting the link for the Broward County Licensing Board.

Click on the link to verify a license https://dpep.broward.org/bcs/default.asp?PossePresentationId=1550000

Verify a Contractors License Before You Hire.

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:16:31 +0000

I think that all homeowners should verify any contractor license. Florida is such a transient state, people come & go and if they are not licensed they will not come back. They are only out to make a quick buck and move on the the next homeowner.

HOW TO CHECK A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE

For a county-licensed contractor, call 954-765-4400, Option 2
go on line to https://dpep.broward.org/bcs/default.asp?PossePresentationId=1550000
For a state-licensed contractor, you may call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 850-487-1395.
Ask if the contractor is licensed to perform the type of work you need. For example irrigation, just because they are a landscaper doesn’t mean they hold a Certificate of Competency/license for irrigation. I know it can sound silly, but there is a big difference.

Many concerns arise with the use of unlicensed contractors which ultimately affect the consumer/homeowner. Did you know that an unlicensed contractor is the direct responsibility of the consumer; thus the consumer is accountable for all outcomes associated with the contractor’s work. Meaning that the homeowner is left holding the bag if something goes wrong. Example, Code enforcement fines that will be charged to the homeowner, if the homeowner doesn’t pay the fine, the city will place a lien on the property.

Additional problems that may occur with the use of an unlicensed contractor. The following information was obtained from Broward County.

Inability to Receive Inspections:

In order to apply for a building permit from any building department in Broward County, a contractor must have a valid license. Failure to obtain required permits will result in jobs being performed without inspections. Such unauthorized construction leaves the consumer with no assurance as to whether the construction work was performed correctly and is safe.

Failure to Meet Florida Building Code standards:

Unlicensed contractors are unable to apply for a building permit therefore their construction work cannot be reviewed or inspected. This eliminates the opportunity to ensure that the work meets Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. Failure to meet the FBC requirements may result in unsafe and hazardous conditions.

Substandard Workmanship

As unlicensed contractors do not go through the process of obtaining a license, they are not aware of required construction standards which are understood by licensed contractors. This leads to shoddy and substandard workmanship. The review of construction plans and inspections by building departments in Broward County provides that work has been performed correctly and meets the standards of the Florida Building Code (FBC), Broward Edition.

Further Cost to the Consumer

The work of unlicensed contractors is often substandard and ultimately leads to costly repairs and corrections that require the services of a licensed contractor. Thus the consumer may pay more money for the job than if they had initially hired a licensed contractor.

Fraud and Exploitation

The continued hiring of unlicensed contractors encourages roving unlicensed contractors who are involved in illicit construction practices. These contractors embark on work throughout the County, often taking money for jobs that are never started, not completed, or are poorly constructed. Ultimately the consumer pays the additional expense for such activities.

Consumer Liability

The consumer is responsible for the hiring of an unlicensed contractor. Consequently, the consumer is responsible for any damages and injuries incurred on the job site since unlicensed contractors often do not have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

Legal Action against the Consumer

Since the consumer is responsible for the hiring of unlicensed contractors, they run the risk of being involved in legal action. This legal action may involve lawsuits from various parties due to the unauthorized construction work, thus incurring further cost on the consumer.

Code Enforcement Fines

The hiring of unlicensed contractors violates Florida Building Code requirements. This may subject the consumer to fines and the possibility of facing a judicial hearing in front of a Hearing Officer.