Tips for hiring home repair contractors

By Ivan Penn, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Mar 27, 2008 09:43 PM

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If you use a referral service, check the service's relationship with the recommended contractor.

Never pull the permits yourself. If a contractor asks you to pull the permits, it's often an indication that the contractor does not have a license.

Check to see if the contractor has the proper state and local licenses and to review any complaints by contacting the following agencies:

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395.
• The Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board at (727) 536-4720.
• The Pinellas County Department of Justice and Consumer Services at (727) 464-6200.
• The Hillsborough County Contractor Licensing Center at (813) 635-7308/09.
• The Hillsborough County Consumer Protection and Professional Responsibility at (813) 903-3430.
• Pasco County Development Services at (727) 847-8009.
• Citrus County Building Division at (352) 527-5310.
• Hernando County Development Department at (352) 754-4050.

When problems arise, contact:

• The company responsible for the contract.
• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
• Local licensing boards.
• The Better Business Bureau.
• Local consumer protection agencies.