Why hire a licensed contractor? Alaska

Renovating or building your home should be a positive experience free from stress and worry. But did you know that electrical and gas installations and renovations can pose some of the most serious safety risks in the home?

Do-it-yourself might make sense when it comes to some home improvements, but when it comes to doing electrical or gas work , its best that you rely on the experts. Simply put, hiring licensed contractors provides peace of mind.

So while youre thinking about renovations that involve gas and electricity, think about the legal requirements and benefits of hiring a licensed contractor to do the work.

Laws and regulations

Every province and municipality has its own set of laws and regulations that must be followed. A licensed contractor works with these every day, and knows what work is regulated, and requires permits and inspections.

Doing regulated electrical and gas work without a permit is illegal, and may jeopardize your insurance or the re-sale value of your home, not to mention your familys safety.

Quality and qualifications

In order to be licensed, a contractor must have the training, expertise and experience required to do the job well, safely and to code. While a licence doesnt guarantee quality, it provides you with some assurance that the contractor has adequate knowledge and experience in his or her field.

Before issuing a licence, the provincial licensing agency or board will verify the contractor's background and be satisfied that the person is qualified to hold such a licence.

In British Columbia, for example, all gas and electrical contractors doing regulated work are required, under the Safety Standards Act, to hold a valid licence issued by the BC Safety Authority. The licence ensures the contractor and the people employed by the contractor are qualified and can perform the work safely. Licences must be renewed annually and require certain qualifications are met, including a $10,000 surety bond.

Finding a licensed contractor

In British Columbia, you can find gas and electrical companies and contractors on the BC Safety Authoritys website www.safetyauthority.ca listed in your local phone book, and by asking friends and neighbours for recommendations.

No matter how you find a contractor, its important to confirm he or she is a licensed contractor. Ask to see the licence, or contact your licensing authority.

When you cant wait for a licensed contractorSometimes its difficult to find a licensed contractor who can take on the work when you want it done. You may be tempted to do the work yourself, or go with an unlicensed contractor. Dont! Work done improperly can impact you and your familys safety, whereas having the work done by a licensed contractor will give you assurance and peace of mind that it is done safely. Good licensed contractors are busy because they are in demand.

Think about the safety of your family and your home. Delaying a renovation project to make sure it is done correctly and to code is worth the wait.

Many people think its okay to hire their neighbours or friends, if they are licensed electricians or gas fitters. This is not so. The person they hire must be a licensed contractor. This is important for the homeowner because contractors are bonded. If subsequent safety issues arise and the contractor refuses to fix them, the BC Safety Authority can call in the bond and have the work made safe.

- Pearse Walsh is the leader of Business Development for the British Columbia Safety Authority, which is an independent, self-funded corporation that provides cost-effective and essential safety services to business, industry and the general public. For more information visit www.safetyauthority.ca.