Unlicensed and uninsured workers

[Carl W.]

I'm finally ready to begin work on the rental property and I'm noticing most of the handymen and contractors are either not licensed and/or not insured. I understand handymen don't have to be licensed in my state just registered but I don't want to get myself into a bad situation. When I ask contractors about being licensed they either say "I'm working on it" or "I'm working under my partner's license". 

Also, I'm noticing that those who are unlicensed and uninsured are much cheaper than those who are licensed and charging an arm and a leg for basic work. For example, the unlicensed and uninsured handyman/painter charges 35 per hour when the licensed and insured handyman/painter charges 110 per hour. And both handymen's work is of the same caliber. What are you all doing? I figured I'd ask the pros before taking the leap. It's a liability issue but am I making it a bigger deal than it needs to be for minor repairs around the house that will only take a day or two every once in a while.

[Gail K.]

Not sure what state you reside in but in mine a whole bunch of people who claim to be handymen can't get employment in more stable jobs because they cannot pass a drug test.  So they are hitting the streets working for individuals.

Are they reliable?  Depends on the individual and the job you want them to do.  Electrical?  Get a licensed electrician. I've found the same with plumbers because often these guys will take hours and having you running back and forth to the big box stores for parts when the job could be done much quicker by a plumber.  And sometimes you'd think anyone can paint but some of these folks will prove this untrue.

The real test is what happens to them after you pay them at the end of the week.  Do they show up on Monday or call with some interesting excuse (I've started keeping a record of these) or are they in jail having been picked up on some kind of drug charge? 

I have a few old houses in an "interesting" area of town where a lot of people tend to walk rather than drive; the Spirit gas station they go to for goodies is only about two blocks away.  When I'm working outside I've had more of these guys tell me they are "experts" in one thing or another regarding handyman wise and are looking for work.  I typically decline especially those whose dental work is non-existent.  I've found these are folks who might show up the first day and you'll never see them again.  You will be supplying the tools needed for them to work including the most basic things such as a hammer, screw driver, etc..  If you have more expensive tools at the place you are working at make sure you comment you take these home every night when you leave.

Gail