The Costly Lesson of an Unlicensed Handyman
Every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds me how critical it is to take the extra step to protect yourself as a homeowner. A client of mine recently learned this lesson the hard way. He needed some work done around the house—nothing major, just a few repairs and improvements. Wanting to save a little money, he hired a handyman recommended by a friend. The man seemed capable, the price was fair, and everything looked fine—until it wasn’t. During one of the repair jobs, the handyman accidentally started a fire that caused significant damage to the home. What should have been a few days of minor work turned into a months-long ordeal and tens of thousands of dollars in damage. When my client filed a claim with his homeowner’s insurance, he expected it to be covered. Unfortunately, the insurance company denied the claim. Why? Because the person he hired was not licensed and not insured . That distinction makes all the difference. A licensed contractor has met the state’s...