Van Buren To Require Contractors to obtain Permits
Submitted by David Cross on April 18, 2008 - 6:44am.As Fort Smith has done for some time, as of Monday following this post, Van Buren will require all contrators to obtain permits to perform work within the city. This is a great tool for homeowners, as it will verify the contrators' license, insurance and validity. In other words, if you have a contractor knocking on your door offering repairs from the storm, be sure they get a permit prior to starting the job. If they don't- look for the fish, as something will start to stink.
This is an individual permit for each home. ($20 and up per home- dependant on size of job) MAKE SURE THE PERMIT IS IN THE NAME OF THE CONTRACTOR DOING THE WORK. (my mother in law just received a quote for $4000 OVER the insurance amount paid- this is called a rip off- he had no permit, in his own name of coarse)
Get your quote itemized- in other words:
How much is your insurance co. paying for "tear off" of existing roof? How much for put back? (these two amounts added together, should equal between $140/$150 per square for 30 yr, Arc Shingles. Once you figure in the replacement of 'vent caps', flashing, etc., it may add in a few dollars more per square. There may also be '2nd story' charges, "steep" charges, and more.
IF your contractor's pricing EXCEEDS your insurance co.'s payoff amount to replace what you have- w/out doing additional work, then be wary-very wary. Get another quote.
If you have any questions on these requirements, contact your City's permit office.
Hope this helps someone! IF you have had a crazy experience with your contractor, please let us know on this board!! You may not want to name names, but the experience may be beneficial to other members!!
Pass this on to the Older folks you may know. Help them out, if you can.
