Trade contractors should not do any remodeling work that requires structural repairs or multiple trades on the project. You need a licensed contractor for that.

Smaller Projects
Trade contractors are best used for smaller projects that only require one trade. So if you just need your house painted, some trim work, drywall repair or just need some electrical or plumbing work done these are the people to call.

DIY Remodels
You can also use them for larger DIY projects. If you plan to remodel your home on your own you can at as the General Contractor and pull permits yourself and hire the trade contractors yourself (as long as it is your primary residence).

Sometimes Confusing: Licensed Vs Unlicensed Contractors

The term contractor can be confusing because it gets used in so many different ways. But there is a very big difference between a Contractor who is licensed and certfied by the State of Florida and one that is not. We wrote an entire blog post about it: read it here.

Basically there are 3 types of contractor:

State Licensed Contractors
General Contractors, Building Contractors and Residential Contractors are all certified and licensed by the State of Florida and must display that license on all advertising, contractors and vehicles. Our License number, for example, is CRC1331326.

This type of contractor is the only one who can hire ‘subcontractors’ and pull building permits. They over see complex projects.

State Licensed Trade Contractors
Some trade specialities require a license – Electricans, Plumbers, Roofers, HVAC Companies for example all must be certified and licensed by the State of Florida.

Unlicensed Trade Contractors
Some people consider the term ‘unlicensed’ to be bad but the reality is most trade contractors do not have to be licensed and there is no license requirement.

Drwyall contractors, painting contractors, handmen, carpenters etc… are all trade contractors that do not need a license. They also can not pull permits, hire sub contractors etc…

How We Choose Our Trade Partners

Our Trade Contractor Hiring Process

We are always on the lookout for talent. The first step in joining the McManus Kitchen and Bath team is to meet with us for an onboarding meeting.

We discuss how we work and our expectations for quality and cleanliness. Then we start with a small project and build up to doing larger projects together over time.

All of our trade partners must carry general liablity insurance, workers comp and go though a background check.

In addition to experience we look for trade partners who are process driven, like we are. Having sytems and processes in place to handle the day to running of the business creates more reliable results.

Our Trade Partner Requirements

Experienced

Seasoned professionals

Licensed

For required trades.

Insured

Liability, auto, and WC

Professional

Clean & Organized

Accurate Scheduling

Can commit to our work schedule in advance

Great Communication

Quick responses and clear updates.

2+ Year Warranty

On materials and workmanship

Pass Background Check

All principals and field staff

Set Clear Expecations

While our trade contractors are some of the best it’s important to understand that they are not full service businesses like we are. The tile contractor, for example, won’t help you select tile, just install it.

They might communicate a little slower that we would and they don’t schedule as accurately as we do. Trade contractors, in general, are used to working with Contractors, not homeowners so their systems are not as refined.

Trade Contractor Vs Handyman Vs Contractor

A handyman is good for many small projects around the home but they are usually not licensed contractors. But many small projects do not require a license.

A Contractor is licensed by the State of Florida to perform larger projects that involved structural repairs or require multiple sub-contractors, or Trademen, to complete. Most kitchen or bath remodels require a licensed contractor.

Tradesmen are specialists in specific trades like trim carpentry, framing, drywall or tile. Some Trades also must be licensed. Plumbers, Electricans and HVAC contractors for example all must be Licensed by the State of Florida.

There is no licensing for other trades like tile setters, drywall contractors, painters and handyman services.

Finding the Right Contractor is About Trust

The bigger or more expensive the project, the more trust you want to have. Most handyman services are “one man shows” without an office, website or even company t-shirts. They can dissappear, change thier phone and you could never find them again.

Of course there are very reliable handyman services out there but there are also quite a few unreliable ones as well. References can help but they are not fool proof either. Ideally you verify and build trust in several ways before hiring someone.

Contractor Vs Licensed Contractor

The language used in construction can be confusing. Everyone is called a contractor… tile contractor, drywall contractor, electrical contractor, general contractor etc… Then you have handyman services who perform the work of several trade contractors.

Some trades have to be licensed. Electricans, plumbers, roofers and HVAC contractors are the most common. General contractors (often called Contractors or Builders) also have to be licensed.

Other trade contractors do not have to be licensed. There is no license requirement for painters, drywallers, tile setters etc… That is why have a trusted referral can be very important.

A Word About Insurance

All contractors, both licensed and unlicensed, should provide proof of insurance. There are 3 types of insurance you should check for and a fourth that you want for larger projects.

General Liability Insurance protects you and the contractor in case of accidental damage to your home or bodily injury that occurs as part of the project.

Commercial Auto covers any damage a vehicle may do to your property. It also protects the contractor in case of accident. Regular auto insurance does not cover work related accidents.

Workers Compenstaion. Any contractor with any employees should have workers compensation insurance on those employees. One man operations can be exempt from workers comp but it’s still a good idea for them to carry it.

Have the insurance company email you proof of insurace so you know it is valid. Do not accept a pdf copy from the contractor. They can get a pdf copy and then cancel the policy the next day.