The JCBIA has plenty of professional, fully insured, legally licensed contractors, but should you choose to hire someone outside the association, please consider the following:
- Any project quoted at $30,000 or more requires a valid NC general contractors license.
- Projects less than $30,000 do not require a license. However, hiring a NC licensed general contractor may offer security in knowing that you have contracted with a general contractor who is authorized to perform work in NC. Ask for proof that the contractor is licensed and then verify at www.nclbgc.org; or call the JCBIA.
- Be wary of door-to-door repair solicitations or people who demand deposits or payments in cash.
- Contact your insurance company for guidance before beginning any work. Do not make a large deposit or upfront payment in full. Require a written contract that details the work to be done, materials to be used, a payment schedule that is based on completion of work and a timeline for work to be completed. A licensed general contractor is required to list their license number on all contracts.
- Do not make payments before work specified on the payment schedule is completed.
- Do not make payments for any work not specified in the contract unless it has been submitted and approved in writing by you before the additional work begins.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance from the contractor and verify it is valid by contacting the party who issued it.
- Contact the NC Attorney General’s office if you suspect you are being price gouged by the contractor at https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/price-gouging/ or call toll free within North Carolina at (877)-5-NO-SCAM or (877)-566-7226.
This year will mark the 7th consecutive above average hurricane seasons and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) is forecasting a 65% chance of an above-normal season. This season is expected to produce a range of 14-20 named storms, 6-10 of which could become hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, marking peak season from August through October.