How Does Licensing Impact Value?

Living here in New Hampshire the "Live Free or Die" State , we enjoy freedom from many government regulations. Yay! Yes, that can allow us great freedom, which is a great thing. It can also create some disadvantages. Are you shocked being informed that New Hampshire law does NOT require the contractors, carpenters, or handymen to be licensed? Yes, this is fact! We are not alone. This fact is true across our nation. Unlicensed

What do I mean? The fact is anyone with a hammer, who thinks they know how to design, build, and hire subcontractors to remodel your property can do so legally, without experience or proving their skill, or professional status. No wonder we often hear stories of "contractors" running off with deposits or starting a job with demolition, beginning the remodeling work process then never returning!

 This shocking news definitely ties into our discussion researching value vs price shopping as we consider remodeling our homes. Selecting the contractor is key to your satisfaction for years to come. It is true contractors are NOT required to be licensed by the State. Thank goodness local municipalities require anyone doing construction to secure building permits. However, they are not required to prove they are experienced.

This means you and other innocent homeowners are vulnerable. You must perform due diligence while interviewing and selecting who to award your project to. New Hampshire is not alone. The trend is spread throughout the country. Realistically this problem is compounded by homeowners.
Many focus on cost and getting the lowest price possible rather than the value a reputable, experienced professional provides. In the long run actual costs may be slightly more or equal to a less professional choice. The old saying, "You get what you pay for," is especially applicable when selecting the right builder to remodel your home.

"How do I know", you ask? Referrals are always excellent sources of information to base your decision on. Another dependable source of information is contacting your town office building department. Call them and ask which contractors get the most permits. Generally, the frequency of pulling permits by the same contractor indicates they are well established and hired by many homeowners. Heading down to the town offices to chat with Building Inspectors is an excellent source of info too. Ask them who they would hire to work on their property or refer family or a friend to.

Here is an important value to you selecting the "more expensive" quote. Often we look at cost as only referring to the money spent to do the job. As important as that is, it is not the total cost paid. When a homeowner prioritizes the final dollar amount as the only deciding factor, they set themselves up for disappointment minimally. They also create the possibility of great financial loss or doubling the cost to complete a project abandoned by a less professional person they chose based on cost alone. Money is not the only consideration either. We are discussing your home, family, possessions, children, pets and everything you hold dear being around strangers for weeks to months.  Tragic consequences are possible if you fail your due diligence, research, background checking, and  follow up getting referrals.

To illustrate the risk NH Homeowners have and the importance they have to wisely who to award their project to I offer info below on how other states handle protecting homeowners. Any State  including New Hampshire ( which does NOT require licensing) shares the risk of homeowners
being taken advantage of by inexperienced or fraudulent individuals or companies.

There is a reason some States set up funds called the Residential Recovery Fund. Here are two statistics. In California alone, who does require licensing, as many as 70,000 contractors are working illegally. Nevada as well licenses contractors. As an example, Nevada is a State that does have a functioning State Contractors Board. What does Nevada's regulation have to do with New Hampshire?  Well, this year they have already awarded nearly $200,000 dollars to homeowners whose properties were damaged by " Licensed Contractors" in their State. In contrast, New Hampshire and the majority if States in America do not even require licensing. According to to the National Association of  State Contractors Licensing Agencies, at least 11 States have such recovery funds, including Massachusetts.

Guess who made these funds possible?  Professional reputable Contractors across this country who
care about the homeowners who came to them to "rescue " their home and finances! These people had their dream shattered and money stolen due to botched or abandoned project by someone who took advantage of the homeowner. Here at Apple Wood, we have "rescued " projects botched by another "contractor " a homeowner trusted and awarded their project to. Right now NH does NOT have regulations requiring licensing. There are no funds available to homeowners who have unfortunately hired the wrong contractor either. Thus, taking the time to research, get referrals, compare, and choose wisely who to trust is even more critical here.

I share this info to remind you value matters. Please be wise and research any company or individual bidding on your project. We would love to be considered as well. You will NOT be disappointed. You will be thrilled with the results as our clients are! That is why most of our business is referral and repeat business. AND..........................you will be pleasantly surprised to discover, along with value we are competitively priced. Working with Apple Wood guarantees your peace of mind, and satisfaction with the finished project!