Winds of Change

03/10/2026

07/13/2020

We cannot stress this enough. Please research your contractors credentials BEFORE hiring anyone and ensure that THEY pull the permits

We recently met a client for deck repairs and the contractor she hired hacked up the deck so badly that in order to fix it we essentially need to replace it.

If you are hiring a contractor to do some work on your home, you'll want to check out this video first. It goes over the importance of researching contractor...

06/09/2020

We often hear from clients and through the grapevine about how some contractors try to convince a homeowner that if the owner pulls the building permit it will save them money. This is far from the truth.

Often what is going on is that the contractor is not licensed to perform the required work and is trying convince you that you will save money by doing it yourself.

In El Paso County Co. it is illegal for a homeowner to pull a permit and have another contractor perform the work. This is because whoever pulls the permit is solely responsible for the project. Therefore if "Chuck in a Truck" does the work wrong and you pulled the permit, guess who is now paying more to get it fixed.

Protect yourself from shady contractors. Research them before hiring through the BBB, HBA, Secretary of State and other online reviews. Ask to see their license. Get a copy of their liability insurance AND CALL the company to make sure the policy is in force.

Remember that cheap isn't experienced and experienced isn't cheap. There are a lot of great contractors out there at varying pricing levels. Be sure to hire the one that is in alignment with your budget, expectations of quality and project type. I'm sure you wouldn't hire a painter to build an addition on your home, right?

Here are 2 screen shots from the building department website www.pprbd.org that show the difference from a homeowner and contractor pulling a permit for a deck.

03/12/2020

We're doing it again! Come learn how to hire a great remodel contractor without getting ripped off. Saturday March 14th, 12pm at the Norris Penrose Event Center.

We tailor these seminars to you, the audience, beceause we want you to learn everything it is that you came for. At this fun and engaging event you will learn how to spot a fraud, how to ensure you are legally protected during your project, why hiring "Chuck in a Truck" because he was cheap will actually cost you in the end, the 5 things to always ask your contractor and the one thing to never ask.

03/12/2020

We're doing it again! Come learn the 7 secrets of a successful kitchen remodel, Sunday March 15th, 12pm at the Norris Penrose Event Center

We tailor these seminars to be fun and engaging so you will learn what it is that you came for. Come learn the 3 reasons why most remodels fail, how hiring just any ol' contractor is not the right answer, how to ensure you are adding real value to your home, the 3 decisions that could turn your remodel dreams into a nightmare and the one thing that will guarutee a fabulous outcome

01/22/2020

Licensing is not an important criteria?

As I read this article, what it said to me is that people want the popular contractor relative to price and what other people say about them rather than are they properly trained to perform the work required.

I get it that reviews are important because they tell about someone's experience and what you could expect when you hire that contractor. But does that prove they have the experience and training to perform the work you need done?

I have met many people who know how to perform electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gas piping. They worked as apprentices and have done a lot for themselves, family and friends. Even I know how to do some of this kind of work. Did you know that there are multiple licensing levels for some of these trades? Some of them even require mandatory schooling, no exceptions.

Why this is important is it ensures that the person is properly trained, up to date on current codes and practices and it shows that they are vested in themselves and their industry. Also, local building department track these licenses and prevent a contractor from pulling a permit for which they are not licensed.

Here is another way to look at it: if you needed a surgical procedure would you want the nurse practitioner that has assisted in a few surgeries or surgeon that was properly trained in that area?

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/business/research-licensing-status-not-important-to-consumers_o?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=Article&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=REM_012120&

Learn why consumers value prices and online customer reviews and ratings more than occupational licensing, according to research conducted by Stanford University economist Bard Larson.