http://disqus.com/by/bradmartin/enTue, 04 Aug 2009 00:06:00 -0000http://bbjtoday.com/blog/avoid-unlicensed-contractors/2803/%20#comment-13865193<p>As I licensed painting contractor in Bellingham I see a lot of this. I agree with all that is said in the article. Many things irritate me about this problem. One is that there is little or no policing of these individuals. So even though there is a clear problem, it appears no one is doing anything about it. I know that L &amp; I is supposedly watching this but I see unlicensed contractors working all the time and almost never hear of them getting fined. Also, homeowners have a responsibility to take care of themselves and protect their liability. I don't think that most homeowners understand this. They think if they have homeowners insurance, well then they are ok. Not necessarily true. They are only putting themselves at risk. Also these unlicensed contractors drive down the prices and then people think that legitimate contractors are trying to rip them off. It gives all the trades a bad name having these individuals out there, their level of customer service is usually really low and so is the quality of their craftmanship. Whey you underbid a job the only way to finish and make a profit is to cut corners and thats what these jokers seem to do best. I think as contractors we need to band together and turn in illegal contractors and make sure L and I is following up on their obligation to stop this. </p>bradmartinTue, 04 Aug 2009 00:06:00 -0000