Licensing is very important when choosing a contractor

  A lot of people assume that if a contractor is in business then they are properly licensed. This is not always the case. A business license is not always enough. As home improvement contractors, we are held to a higher standard then the local handyman. When people call us out to their homes, they are extending a level of trust which should never be broken. There are laws in place to ensure that homeowners never get taken advantage of by a bad contractor. Maryland is one of the more progressive states in the country and they have joined a few other states in requiring salespeople to be specially licensed. The tests that we all have to take are issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission or MHIC for short. The MHIC holds all salespeople accountable for their actions. What this means for the homeowner is that, if you get taken by a company the commission will step in and resolve the issue. These tests and licenses are taken very seriously. If you remember studying for the SAT exam in high school then you can appreciate what we go through. I remember studying for my MHIC exam and I felt like I needed a lawyer to explain most of the material. What it all breaks down to is that your salesperson should have your best interest in mind at all times. What every homeowner in our area should know is that its not enough for the business to have an MHIC number, the salesperson needs to have one as well. If you are in Maryland and you are getting work done on your crawlspace, basement, or foundation, just ask to see the salesperson’s MHIC card. I’ve got mine on me and I don’t even do sales calls anymore. It’s a point of pride to have one and a real accomplishment to see it. So make sure that you are protected and remember that it can’t hurt to ask.