Frequently Asked Questions

Chapter 489.105 of the Florida Statute governs all construction laws in the state. It is illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor. It is also illegal for an unlicensed contractor to perform work without having a licensed contractor overseeing them. Both parties involved can be charged with a third degree felony. Always verify that you are engaging with a licensed contractor. 

A Qualifying Agent is the Florida Licensed Contractor.  A “Q.A." has years of verifed experience. They have taken and passed 3 different state exams. Additionally, they have been both criminally and financially cleared by the state. They are the only people in the state of Florida that are both licensed to be and are legally required to be Project Managers. 

Yes. We are required by the state to carry General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance. 

Yes. Permit fees are generally based off of the value of the project, plus any additional city or county fees related to issuing the permit. Failure to obtain a permit may lead to your property being “red tagged”. Getting a red tag off your house can be extremely expensive and cause delays. It is definitely better to ask permission instead of forgiveness regarding this matter. 

We stand by our work. If anything fails due to workmanship within the first year we will correct the problem at no cost to you. If the failure is due to a mechanical or product issue, we will work with you to resolve the issue with the manufacturer. 

At this time we do not. Due to credit card processing fees and attempted chargeback disputes we have elected to do things the old fashioned way. Cash, Check or ACH/Wire Transfers are accepted. 

Time & Materials is a term used in the industry that means you will be charged for whatever Time (labor) is spent on your project, and whatever the actual materials used were. Often times we estimate high in order to ensure there are no surprises in the end. Rather than lock you or ourselves to the estimated price, Time & Materials ensures that if we get the job done quickly you pay less, and if it goes beyond our estimate that we are still paid fairly for the materials and value added to your home. 

We absolutely prefer to provide all materials and supplies. This ensures that the liability stays on us. We have the plans, we have the measurements, we will order the materials. Many homeowners try to acquire their own materials and often purchase products that either don’t meet code, or were incorrectly measured causing delays and additional costs to you. 

Contractors traditionally charge a 20% markup on materials. This cost covers their time in ensuring the materials meet code, are the right materials for the job, the acquisition, handling and delivery of the materials. It also provides for the purchase and maintenance of the variety of tools used to complete the job. 

A change order is a significant addition or alteration to the original scope of work agreed upon in your estimate. For example: you sign an estimate to have several of your fence pickets repaired/replaced. Once the contractor has started you realize you didn’t ask them to repaint the fence once they were done with the repairs. That qualifies as a change order. Anything that expands the timeline or significantly changes materials to be used counts as a Change Order. We highly encourage all of our clients to pick their project, set their budget and stick to it. 

A Notice of Commencement is filed with the City or County to let them know that work has officially begun on your project. Not every project requires an NOC, this is set by the issuing agency for the permit. 

A Notice to Owner is a legal document that notifies you that work has begun on your project. Its primary purpose is to protect the contractor. Should you fail to fulfill your financial obligations to the contractor, this mechanism allows them to place a mechanics lien on your property. Provided that you are satisfied with the work, and pay your contractor in full, you will receive a Release of Liens at the end of the project. Please note, receiving a Notice to Owner does not mean there is a lien on your property currently. It only notifies you that the work has begun and that you are liable for payment. If a contractor fails to file a NTO, they risk not being paid for their work.