In light of the recent storms, the Georgia Mountain Home Builders Association would like to share the following basic checklist with consumers on how to hire a reputable contractor.

• LICENSE

Check the qualifications of the contractor.  A Georgia Residential or General Contractors license is required if the repair work is structural or more than $2,500.  Consumers can verify that a contractor is properly licensed online at:  http://sos.georgia.gov/plb.  Georgia does not currently recognize licensees from other states.  Contracts with an unlicensed builder are not enforceable and homeowners have no recourse. 

• INSURANCE

Check that the contractor and all sub-contractors carry General Liability and Workers Comp.  Allowing an uninsured person work on your property exposes you to risk that may not be covered by your homeowners insurance.  Workers comp from other states is not valid in Georgia.  Do not assume that anyone is insured without checking directly with the insurance company.

• REFERENCES

Check for references of the contractors you talk to, both on their quality of work and financial history.  Make sure your contractor pays their bills.

• LOCAL

Check to make sure the contractor is local.  The local economy has been greatly affected by the recent recession and storms.  It would be strongly recommended to use local contractors and laborers and keep the repair and cleanup funds in the local community.  Plus a local contractor will be in the area to take care of any warranty or repair work in the future.

The Georgia Mountain Home Builders Association (GMHBA) provides this information and we strongly encourage you to do business with a member.  Additional information may be acquired by contacting Samantha Thacker, EO at the GMHBA office.