Contractor Verification in Macon County is NOT an option!!
Since moving to Missouri four years ago, we have hired more than a dozen contractors for a variety of home improvement projects. Unfortunately, our experiences have included broken promises, misleading statements, fake reviews, significant financial losses, projects that were never completed as agreed, and, in more than one case, unknowingly allowing convicted felons into our home to perform work.
To this day I am a licensed home improvement contractor in Florida. We pull permits, undergo inspections, carry insurance & are held accountable by code enforcement officers & The Attorney General. Your job will be "red tagged" & you may be taken into custody for not being licensed & insured or for any other infraction of the rules. Here in Macon, Missouri none of these guards are in place to protect the consumer. The AG's office in Missouri took no action against any of the dishonest contractors that defrauded me and my family. The city of Macon will verify that a contractor is licensed. This means they have paid a small fee to the city so they can work in the city limits. This does not mean the contractor is certified & an actual "Certified Plumber" or a "Certified Electrician" or "Certified HVAC Technician". Most of the contractors from Macon can't even work in Kirksville or in some cases even Bevier. This all needs to be examined & the citizens of Macon deserve protection from such unprofessional & fraudulent contractors. We are currently investigating this issue and will be releasing a series of articles soon. If you are a crooked contractor you will soon be exposed !!
Most contractors are honest, hardworking people who take pride in their work. Unfortunately, a few are not. In Missouri, where most general contractors are not required to hold a statewide competency license, homeowners must do ALL of the vetting themselves.
Fortunately, most of that information is free and available online. Before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit, spend just five minutes checking these resources !!!!.
1. Verify the Business
Is the company legally registered in Missouri?
Missouri Secretary of State Business Search
A legitimate business should have a registered legal name that matches the name on your contract.
2. Search Missouri Court Records
Has the contractor or business been sued repeatedly? Have they been involved in contract disputes or unpaid judgments?
Missouri Case.net
One lawsuit doesn't necessarily mean someone is dishonest, but multiple lawsuits involving customers should encourage you to ask more questions.
3. Check for Consumer Complaints
If other consumers have experienced problems, you should know before hiring.
Missouri Attorney General Consumer Complaint
4. Verify Workers' Compensation Insurance
Construction companies with employees are generally required to carry workers' compensation insurance. If they don't and someone is injured on your property, it can create serious problems.
Missouri Workers' Compensation Coverage Verification
5. Ask for Proof of General Liability Insurance
Don't simply ask, "Are you insured?"
Ask the contractor to provide a current Certificate of Insurance showing general liability coverage. Then call the insurance agent listed on the certificate to verify the policy is active. Never rely solely on a photocopy handed to you.
6. Search the Missouri Sex Offender Registry
If someone will be working inside your home or around your family, take one minute to check.
Missouri Sex Offender Registry
7. Trust Your Instincts
Walk away if a contractor:
• Wants a large cash payment before work begins.
• Refuses to provide proof of insurance.
• Won't give you a written contract.
• Pressures you to "sign today."
• Won't answer your questions.
Final Thoughts
Here in Macon County, we believe in handshakes, honesty, and neighbors helping neighbors. Most local contractors deserve that trust because they've earned it.
But trust should never replace verification.
A few minutes spent checking public records today may save you thousands of dollars tomorrow—and perhaps protect your family as well.
Do your homework before you sign any contract with anyone !!!.
Regards fellow Maconites & Stay Safe,
Ron Dominique ( AKA Trashton Porter )
Macon Missouri Online
This is valuable for all of us that own a home & property. We have been ripped off as well.. This is an excellent article