SENIORS vs CRIME
Polk County, Florida
A Joint Project Of
THE POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
GRADY JUDD - SHERIFF
AND
THE FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL
Lakeland Office Davenport Office
Dick Fearnow, Office Manager Paul C. Cameron, Office Manager
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Hours: Mon. & Wed 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Phone : 863 - 413 - 3000 Phone: 863 - 424 - 8475
Email: seniorsvscrime@gmail.com Email: eastpolksvc@gmail.com
Be Prepared For The Hurricane Season and Fraudulent Home Repairs
BECOME INFORMED AND EDUCATED
The Hurricane season is here and now is the time to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of an unlicensed or unscrupulous contractor. Following the tip below may prevent you from being one of their victims.
FOLLOW THESE TIPS
- Prior to selecting a contractor, contact your local building department to determine the following:
- Does the work you are going to have done require a licensed contractor?
- Is the contractor of your choosing licensed, does he have liability and workman's compensation insurance and is he bonded. Note if not, you are responsible for any accidents.
- Is he obtaining the required permits, If the work requires a permit and one is not obtained, you are in violation.
- Has any complaints been filed against the contractor?
- Are there any other requirements or legal notices that pertain to the job.
- Demand a written contract, no matter how large or small. The contract should include all of the following:
- The Contractors name, the business name, address, phone and fax numbers.
- The Business Occupational License Number and type. The License number must have two letters in front of the number to be valid.
- Insurance information.
- Payment and inspection schedule. No more than 10% deposit and then payment as work is completed, with the contractor providing proof of payment of materials used. If the contractor does not pay, you can be held responsible.
- Job plans and Specifications.
- Specific types and grades of materials.
- Itemized total costs.
- Warranties on material and workmanship.
- Start and completion dates.
- Lastly a commitment to obtain all permits required.
The neighbor down the street may be a fine person, but what happens when he either doesn't complete a job or does shoddy work?
Don't take chances!
Be Safe!
Get A Contract And A Receipt.
