Hiring a contractor?

As a contractor, I am often asked, "How do I find a good contractor?" and "How do I know if the contractor is licensed and insured?" These are important questions because construction is expensive when it is done right. When things go wrong, it can be financially devastating.

Did you know that:
•Without a clear and inclusive scope of work your costs could easily double?
•Contracts are generally written to favor the author, that is, usually the contractor?
•Liens can easily cause you to lose your home?

LET US HELP. Our team of trained professionals can:
•Develop a concise and inclusive scope of work that details, exactly. the contractor will do
•Verify the contractor’s license and insurance, as well as his or her personal & work history
•Advise you of proposals that are one-sided and unfair

We will also help you with the permit and inspection process, and manage your notices and payments. 

WHY HIRE US? As you know, construction is notorious for cost and schedule overruns. incomplete blueprints to unqualified contractors, the reasons for these shortcomings are many.  To improve your odds of success, your toolbox needs to include a tip-top team of industry professionals. For example, did you know that:

• construction workers lead the private sector in
fatal injuries and have the fifth highest injury rate?
• insurance issued through PEOs only covers employees
who receive paychecks that week—and not a company’s
entire staff?
• state statutes may allow you the right to obtain a list of a
GC’s subcontractors in order to track liens?

Construction is full of pitfalls. Let us help you start off on the right foot and not trip up while your job is underway.

WANT TO GO IT ALONE?

To help ensure your project is done correctly, on time, and on budget, you need to be a knowledgeable participant on your project. Contracting Confidential is a step-by-step guide that details the construction process and includes over 3 hours of audio recording, a 192 page manual, a data disk containing forms and charts, and a contact guide to government regulating entities.

You will learn about *scope of work *contractor licensing & insurance *proposals & contracts *permits & inspections*liens*jobsite safety. We cover the basics but also address sophisticated topics such as: front-loaded pay schedules, PEO issued insurance, third-tier subcontractor insurance and lien rights.

ABOUT

Kia Ricchi is a Florida-licensed contractor.  Since earning her licensure in 1998, Kia has completed numerous residential and commercial projects including several for the State of Florida.

Kia is also the author of “Avoiding the Con in Construction”  and a speaker at national conferences. See her at the 2013 Florida Governor's Hurricane Conference where she will be giving a workshop and accepting the Corporate Award for her distinguished service.

AWARDS and other accomplishments:

Book awards (3):  Benjamin Franklin “Best First Book” award,  Indie Excellence award, The Independent Publisher’s “Living Well” award.
Book endorsements: National Association of State Contractor Licensing Agencies, Building Officials Association of Florida, and several construction attorneys and licensed insurance agents.
Book reviews: Library Journal including its  “Best of” list, About.com, HomeTips.com., (Mike) Holmes magazine.
Published articles: Remodeling Magazine, Image Magazine, FineHomebuilding.com, and numerous industry websites. Quoted as expert at Inman.com, TheStreet.com, MoneyPit.com, Lowes.com, InsuranceQuotes.com and other sites.
Radio and TV broadcasts: NPR member stations (4) and numerous nationally syndicated shows.WPTV and WESH.
Speaker, consultant, and CE provider to: Restaurant and franchise owners, community managers, real estate investors, local governments, and universities. Clients include:  The International Restaurant and Food Service Show, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show, CAI national webinar, BOMA and IFMA chapters. Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference 2013.

Clients include:
BOMA, IFMA & CAI (Property/Building managers)
FWC, DEP, & several city/county governing agencies
NY State Restaurant Assoc & Florida Food and Lodging Assoc.
National Real Estate Investment Groups

"If you think professionals are expensive, try hiring an amateur.” —Red Adair