Dealing with contractor.

[Ilcar Rosario]

Hello guy's is my first time  dealing with contractor, i been reading a-lot post on biggerpokets and one of the post the person  recommend to ask the contractor for the contractor license number, insurance and bound information to make sure is legit. And my question is, you ask for thous information upfront before the bid or they give you thous information on the bid? i ask one of the contractor he said he will not give the insurance and the bound info. i would like to hear you guy's opinion thank you in advance.

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Ilcar Rosario, most states have a website where you can search and see if a contractor is licensed/registered. To be licensed/registered you generally need to have insurance. So, I would just check them out that way. Their license number should appear on the letterhead at the top of their contract. It probably should also be on any advertising such as the side of their vehicle (although some skip that).

When they pull a permit to do the work with the municipality, they will be required to show they are licensed and insured as well. So, if you make sure they pull a permit you will also know you are covered there.

[Sarah Brown]

I would request it in advance.  That way you aren't wasting their time or yours with their bid.  Or let them know in advance that you will at least be requiring it.  I would be suspect of someone not willing to share insurance and bond information (note it's bond not bound).  You can look it up, but this is a business relationship; a partnership.  If they are digging in their heels already, what's it going to be like down the road? 

[Ilcar Rosario]

Thank you guys for the help.