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1. Are there any early warning signs that I may be dealing with an unscrupulous contractor?

Yes. Early warning signs could include:
A large down payment is requested before work begins.
Many requests for money are made during early phases of construction.
A verbal contract only, as person is not willing to put all terms in writing.
You are asked to make your check payable to an individual’s name or asked to make payment in cash or to make the check payable to "cash".
The contractor suggests doing the work without permits or asks you, as the homeowner, to obtain the permit.

2. What should I do before making a final payment to the contractor?

The contractor should provide to you proof that all final inspections have been approved by he Building department or provide a Certificate of Completion issued by the Building Department. If you want to verify that all inspection approvals have been obtained, you may call the Building Department at 305-663-6355.

Additionally, you should request final release of liens from any individuals or firms who have provided labor, material or supplies, especially those who have sent you a "Notice to Owner" letter.

3. What responsibilities do I have if I obtained the permit as an owner-builder?

If you have obtained an owner-builder permit to perform electrical, mechanical, plumbing or gas work, you must perform all work yourself and you cannot subcontract or hire day labor employees. If you are a holder of a building permit, you can subcontract to licensed contractors, use day labor or persons to be paid on an hourly per diem basis for the building trade. However, you will be responsible for all work done by your employees.

Anyone contracting (including labor) with you, verbally or in writing, on a fixed fee basis for any work, which is not properly licensed, will be subject to a fine of $500 and / or imprisonment for six months. Additionally, the hiring of an unlicensed contractor could subject you to a $5,000 fine.

4. Are there any additional insurance requirements?

You should be advised that if your day labor employees cause any damage to persons or property, or if any of your day labor employees are injured on the job, you are liable. Your regular home insurance policy ordinarily DOES NOT cover this type of liability. Please check with your insurance agent.

5. How long is my permit valid and are inspections required?

Section 305.1 of the South Florida Building Code requires that all construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Building official. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes.

Permits will expire and become null and void if work authorized by such permits has not commenced within 180 days from permit issuance or has been suspended or abandoned at any time for a period of 180 days. If the permit holder is unable to begin work and obtain an inspection within 180 days of permit issuance and cannot continue to obtain at least one inspection every 180 days until completion, he or she can avoid expiration of the permit by applying for a 180-day extension. The south Florida Building Code allows for a single 180-day extension to be granted as long as the request is made prior to permit expiration. For more information on permit extensions call the Building Department at (305) 663-6355.

6. A pool is being constructed on my property. Am I required to erect a safety barrier?

You are required to erect an approved safety barrier around the property or pool, under a building permit obtained from the Building Department, prior to final inspection of the pool. The safety barrier must also be inspected and approved by this department. Failure to comply will result in the issuance of a $500 ticket to you the property owner.

7. How long is my permit valid and are inspections required?

Section 305.1 of the South Florida Building Code requires that all construction work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Building official. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes.

Permits will expire and become null and void if work authorized by such permits has not commenced within 180 days from permit issuance or has been suspended or abandoned at any time for a period of 180 days. If the permit holder is unable to begin work and obtain an inspection within 180 days of permit issuance and cannot continue to obtain at least one inspection every 180 days until completion, he or she can avoid expiration of the permit by applying for a 180-day extension. The south Florida Building Code allows for a single 180-day extension to be granted as long as the request is made prior to permit expiration. For more information on permit extensions call the Building Department at (305) 663-6355.