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A CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
It has always been my philosophy to share what you have learned in
order to help others and in turn learn more. That is why I jumped
at the chance to chair the educational committee of the IHPA. As a
structural engineer in this complicated and rapidly changing industry,
knowledge is critical to the success of the construction professional.
I have listened to the needs of the members of the IHPA and stand
ready to contribute my part. I want to share what we learn and ask
others to do the same by using every vehicle at our disposal to do
so. This exceptional magazine has offered space to help in my cause.
I appeal to each reader to contribute a fact, suggestion or ask a
question they feel valuable to the group for us to share. What topics
of interest are the driving forces of your business? If there’s
one thing I have found we have in common, it is that we’re not
all on the same page of understanding about the issues important to
our trade.
So what do you want to know? What do you have to share? What part
of a building code are you not clear on? What’s behind all those
acronyms we hear all day long: ASCE-7, ICC, FBC, ACI, NDS, AISC, and
so on. What’s the latest buzz on code issues, product approvals,
and required testing? Besides posting our findings on an upcoming
link on the IHPA Web site (www.inthpa.com) and sharing information
by other available means, I will highlight key issues from the knowledge
we gain in upcoming editions of this magazine, so keep an eye out
for this article in future issues. But I can only guess what you need
to know. We need your input to complete the circle. Tell us what is
important to you. Get it to us by mail, e-mail, or fax. We’ll
be listening.
Frank L. Bennardo, P.E, Consulting Engineer
Chairperson, IHPA Education Committee
(561) 391-2888; fax:(561) 391-2862
Frank@flbengineering.com
www.flbengineering.com
10 REASONS TO USE A LICENSED CONTRACTOR
In today’s hurricane protection market there seems to be an abundance
of unlicensed activity. With the cost of general liability and workers
compensation insurance continuing to rise, the level of unlicensed
activity will surely increase. What can a licensed contractor do to
protect himself from competing against an unlicensed contractor?
The best defense is a good offense. Almost everyone has heard a story
of an unlicensed contractor taking advantage of a property owner.
Use this familiarity with the problem to your advantage. Tell building
owners up front that you are licensed and insured and explain these
10 reasons why he should hire a licensed contractor.
1. Hazards of hiring the unlicensed. Licensing implies a certain level
of professionalism.
2. Unlicensed usually means uninsured. The unlicensed contractor has
no way of reimbursing you for any property damage he causes.
3. No coverage under homeowner’s policy. Most homeowner policies
require that any work to property be done by licensed contractors.
4. Noncompliance with building codes. Unlicensed contractors often
are unfamiliar with the applicable building codes and are unable to
obtain permits. If the owner does get away with not pulling a permit
for his personal use, what problems will occur when it comes time
to sell the property?
5. Poor quality work. If they are not competent enough to pass the
builder’s exam, are they competent enough to work on your project?
6. Con artists. Scams in the construction industry have become commonplace.
7. Limited recourse for broken contracts. Licensed contractors are
accountable to their prospective government agencies.
8. Economic recovery. Most states have a guarantee fund that if work
is not performed competently the state fund will pay some of the cost
to correct the defect.
9. Warranties. Unlicensed contractors disappear immediately after
the work is performed.
10. Unenforceable contracts. In many states a contract with an unlicensed
contractor is unenforceable. This reason alone should make anyone
who has to put up a deposit very nervous.
Ask the prospective buyer to check the IHPA Web site (www.
inthpa.com) to make sure your competition meets the same high
standards that you agreed to follow when you joined the International
Hurricane Protection Association.
Submitted by Don Leggett, IHPA Membership Chairman |
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