Are You Liable for Unlicensed Plumber Services?
Remodeling your bathroom can be a blast. You get to pick from the latest in modern bathroom installations and design your space to align perfectly with your tastes and needs. When planning your dream bathroom, however, or preparing for any other major plumbing renovation or installation, don't neglect to thoroughly vet the technician who will provide your plumber services. If you fail to contract with a licensed plumber who is well-versed in local building code, you could end up liable for areas where the work doesn't meet legal standards and cost yourself a lot of money to undo the damage.
A Plumber Needs a Code
Municipal building code is a crucial part of any home construction or remodeling project. The rules that govern HVAC, electrical and plumbing installations are there to ensure that the systems will work safely and effectively. Unfortunately, some contractors don't always heed the letter of the law when it comes to local code for plumber services, which can require pulling permits for the work and having inspectors approve it.
Contractors can save time and money by skipping those steps. However, the consequence is that you have no way of knowing if the work on your home was done correctly, and you could even create a safety hazard. Not to mention that if your municipality catches wind of your project and sends an inspector around, you could be facing some hefty bills to correct the shoddy work.
Licensing is the Key
So how can you avoid being left holding the bag when a contractor doesn't provide adequate plumber services? Ask to see a license for anyone you hire to perform work on your home and check to make sure they have pulled all necessary permits. A licensed plumber will face consequences from the city or professional organization for not following the rules, so there is a greater incentive to comply.
If the contractor doesn't have a license for plumber services, however, it means that you have no recourse if the work isn't up to par, short of filing an expensive and time-consuming lawsuit. While unlicensed contractors can face criminal charges, that doesn't help you pay for a do-over on your new bathroom. And speaking of lawsuits, you can also be liable in civil court if a guest in your home is injured by an installation that doesn't follow code – just in case you needed another reason to seek out high-quality work.
Get the Job Done Right
Never take shortcuts when it comes to plumber services – make sure that whoever you hire is fully licensed and has a good reputation and a track record of success. No discounts or shortcuts can make up for the peace of mind of knowing the work will be done correctly the first time. Contact us at (800) 259-7705!