How to Hire a Contractor - Part 1
List of Tradespeople
You may need to answer the question: What kind of tradesman or woman should I hire to deal with my repair problem? Please check this list.
General Contractor
A client should call a General Contractor if the work they require involves carpentry and/or any combination of the following trades. A General Contractor coordinates the necessary trades, obtains the required permits, may perform some of the work, and supervises all the trades. A General Contractor should have a Home Improvement Contractor’s license, and liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance.
Some General Contractors only do large jobs but many also do small jobs.
Carpenter
A carpenter may provide all types of carpentry, including weatherization, but generally will not coordinate or supervise other trades. It is advisable to hire a carpenter with a Construction Supervisor’s License and liability insurance, but individuals are not currently required to be licensed in order to advertise themselves as carpenters. A carpenter (licensed or unlicensed) who does only small jobs may advertise himself or herself as a handyperson.
Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC (Heating or Air Conditioning)
These trades are required to be licensed or work under direct supervision of a licensed person. Some tasks may require the services of more than one trade, such as relocating a washer/dryer (plumber & electrician), or installing a new heating system (plumber or HVAC & electrician). Generally tasks such as these do not require a General Contractor, unless there is carpentry involved.
Other trades include:
- Acoustic Ceiling
- Alternative Heating/Energy—Solar Hot Water or Photo-voltaics or Geothermal
- Bio/Environmental Hazards—mold, lead, asbestos remediation
- Concrete/Masonry
- Drywall/Sheet Rock
- Energy Retrofitting
- Flooring
- Fencing
- Finish Carpentry/Cabinet Making
- Glass
- Insulation
- Overhead Doors (garage)
- Painting—exterior
- Painting/Wall Treatments—interior
- Paving
- Pest Control
- Roofing
- Security/Alarm Systems
- Siding
- Sound Systems
- Tile
- Tree Service
- Weatherization
Thanks to Renaissance Builders for preparing this list for us.