Why You Should Hire a Licensed Contractor for Home Services

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Ensure the safety and quality of your home repairs with a licensed contractor. From electrical improvements to plumbing projects, trust the expertise of skilled tradespeople.

If you need to get some repairs or improvements done on your home, it may be tempting to do them yourself or to use an unlicensed handyman to save money.

But with certain upgrades, like structural or property changes, electrical improvements or plumbing projects, it is important that you hire a licensed and bonded contractor. You’ll be sure that the work is done safely and properly, and a licensed contractor’s experience can help smooth the way if other issues are discovered during the course of the project. In addition, hiring skilled tradespeople like painters, landscapers and carpenters mean your renovation project will be completed with unmatched expertise.

Before you start any home improvement project, check your state and municipality’s requirements. You may be surprised to find that you are required to hire a licensed contractor.

What Is a Licensed Contractor?

If a contractor is licensed, it demonstrates that they have met certain industry standards and qualifications to acquire the license. They pass exams, meet and maintain specific standards when working a contract in order to uphold their license. Licensure also means they know and adhere to local laws and building codes.

Depending on the state and their requirements, licensed contractors may also be required to carry liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This is an important qualifier because, without it, you as the homeowner are liable to cover costs for repairs, injury, or property damage caused by the contractor or the work done by the contractor. You can verify a contractor’s insurance by asking for proof of insurance, such as an insurance certificate.

Licensure is available for almost every home services contractor, from general contractors, plumbers and electricians to artisan tradespeople like painters, landscapers and carpenters.

What Can a Licensed & Bonded Contractor Do?

When you hire a licensed and bonded contractor, you have peace of mind knowing that your contractor will:

  • Have the necessary skill and equipment to get the job done.
  • Have the insurance coverage needed to protect you from liability.
  • Be accountable to you and their professional licensing organization to uphold high professional standards.
  • Understand how to manage permitting and project inspections.
  • Comply with local codes that ensure your project is completed properly and safely.
  • Be bonded, which financially protects you if the work isn’t completed properly or is executed poorly.

What Is the Purpose of a Contractor’s Bond?

Hiring a bonded, licensed contractor means the work your contractor will do for you is covered by a special type of insurance. This insurance is a financial guarantee that the work will be completed correctly. It guarantees that the contractor’s financial obligations will be met – like paying for supplies or subcontractors and covering damage caused by people working on your property. If the contractor does not fulfill the terms of their contracted work, the insurance company may find a new contractor to perform the work or may compensate you up to the bonded amount.

When Is a Contractor’s License Required?

Depending on your state and municipality’s requirements, you may be required to hire a licensed tradesperson for your home renovation project. Requirements are organized around:

  • Project cost where labor and materials exceed a specific amount.
  • Type of skills required for the project, such as plumbing or electrical work.
  • The number of different trades required to complete the project.

Requirements vary by location. Always check your state and municipality website for licensure requirements before you start your project. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure any renovation project is carried out lawfully.

In addition, if you don’t hire a licensed contractor and your state or municipality requires that you do, you may face legal trouble.

The number of trades that states or municipalities may require to be licensed might surprise you. These can include contractors for:

  • Drywall
  • Electrical Work
  • Fencing
  • Flooring
  • Insulation
  • Landscaping
  • Masonry
  • Painting
  • Plumbing
  • Roofing
  • Solar Installation
  • Swimming Pools
  • Water Conditioning

Is It Worth It to Hire a Licensed & Bonded Contractor?

A licensed contractor, and the specialized skills they bring, can make an essential difference in the quality of your completed renovation. Plus, they can save you time and ensure the work complies with important safety and regulatory requirements. Keep in mind that any time you hire an unlicensed contractor you increase your risk. That is particularly true in situations when:

  • Your state or municipality requires you to hire a licensed contractor.
  • You have no recourse when work is left incomplete or done wrong.
  • An unlicensed contractor’s work voids your homeowners insurance coverage.
  • You are liable to pay for their injury on the job or repairs for property damage caused by their negligence.
  • Their inexperience causes structural damage or puts your home’s integrity at risk.
  • The future sale of your home is impacted because work permits were not applied for and inspections were not done.

Choose Main Street America Insurance to Protect Against Injury and Property Damage

Contractors can get peace of mind when they choose Main Street America for commercial bonds and contractors’ insurance coverage. See how our customized solutions protect contractors, subcontractors and independent tradespeople from unique risks.

Get Help With Insurance, Inc.

223 S. Water Street, Suite B

Henderson, NV 89015

(702) 541-0882

help@gethelpwithinsurance.net

https://gethelpwithinsurance.net

Should a Business get a Surety Bond

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Confused about surety bonds vs. insurance? Get Help With Insurance Inc. can help you understand the differences and find the right bond for your business.

When you’re starting a business, figuring out how to get a surety bond can be confusing and often become an afterthought. Fortunately, independent insurance agents like Get Help With Insurance Inc. are here to help you understand the difference between being bonded vs. insured, as well as determine what type of bond your business needs and help you navigate every step of the way.

Bonded vs. Insured

What’s the difference between a surety bond and insurance? It’s actually pretty simple:

Image of Surety Bond vs Insurance

As you can see from the image above, there are important differences between surety bonds and insurance. Surety Bonds:

  • Are a three party agreement between the Principal, Surety Company, and Obligee (entity requiring the bond).
  • Require the Principal to pay the premium and they are expected to reimburse for a loss.
  • Premiums cover expenses only (not losses).
  • Some surety bonds cannot be canceled until the project is complete or a release is obtained.

In contrast, insurance:

  • Is a two party agreement between the insured and the insurance carrier.
  • Require the Insured to pay the premium, and they receive loss benefits from the policy. No reimbursement by the Insured is requested.
  • Can be canceled at any time.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Bond?

The process of obtaining a bond is faster and simpler than most people think. In fact, depending on the type of bond you need, your independent agent has the ability to issue a bond in minutes. Other bond types require underwriting and could take anywhere from a couple days to a week to complete, so it’s best to start the process as quickly as possible.

You may be asking yourself “how much does it cost to get bonded?” Well, much like the timeframe and underwriting, premiums can vary significantly. A lot of factors, like risk, bond amount and bond term, can affect how much you’ll pay in premiums. An independent agent like Get Help With Insurance Inc. can help you determine the exact amount you can expect to pay for your surety bond.

How Do I Know if I Need to Be Bonded?

Here are a few of the most common bond situations you may find yourself in:

  • Notary Public Bond: Are you applying to be a Notary to have the ability to notarize documents? Many states require a bond for this.
  • Business Services Bond: Is your business one that goes into other people’s homes or businesses to perform a job? You may be required to have this third-party dishonesty bond.
  • ERISA Bond: Does your company provide its employees with a pension or 401(k) plan? The IRS will require you also have an ERISA Bond.
  • Probate Bond: If you are appointed to act as an administrator, conservator, or guardian of a minor or incapacitated adult, a probate bond may be required by the court.
  • License and Permit Bond: Are you a contractor performing a job in a new city? Many cities require various license and permit bonds.

If you’ve been told you need to be “licensed and bonded” and don’t know where to begin, call (702) 541-0882 can help you secure bonding. By answering these simple questions, an agent should quickly be able to recognize what type of bond it is that you’re needing:

  • Who is requiring the bond?
  • What type of business do you have?
  • Have you been provided a required bond form?

For contractors, many cities and states have their own license and permit bond requirements that you will be required to meet. You can find out what those requirements are by speaking to Get Help With Insurance Inc..

While these are just a handful of the common bond types, there are many other requirements that could affect your business. The best way to ensure you have the proper bond in place is meet with an independent insurance agent who can answer your questions, provide you with any necessary information and begin the underwriting process.

Get Help With Insurance, Inc.

223 S. Water Street, Suite B

Henderson, NV 89015

(702) 541-0882

help@gethelpwithinsurance.net

https://gethelpwithinsurance.net

Workers Compensation Insurance For Work Related Injuries

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According to the National Safety Council, work related injuries occur every seven seconds in the United States. No matter the industry, that means there is a lot of risk for your business and employees. Fortunately, you can reduce your risk and protect against costly out-of-pocket expenses by offering workers’ compensation benefits.

Common Work Related Injuries

The most common workplace accidents include:

  • Slips
  • Trips
  • Falls
  • Overexertion

Exposure to dangerous environments is also linked to work related issues. These can include:

  • Electricity
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Chemicals and other substances
  • Contagious illness

While some exposures are limited to certain industries, many can occur any time, anywhere. Knowing the proper procedure to follow after an accident and having workers’ compensation coverage in place before an accident happens is key to helping both the injured employee and your company recover quickly.

What To Do After a Workplace Injury

The first step after a work-related injury might seem obvious – treat the injured. If possible, provide first aid and help the employee seek medical care. Once the emergency is handled, submit a claim with your workers’ compensation insurance to start the coverage process. Notify the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to report the incident and ensure you are following the proper protocols, review the situation and make any necessary changes to prevent future incidents.

It’s important that you respond to work related injuries quickly, and with the empathy and gravity the situation requires. Accidents happen, but how you handle the aftermath says a lot about you and your business.

The Difference Between Health Insurance and Workers’ Compensation

Private health insurance offers a very different type of coverage, often related to preventative care and medical expenses. Workers comp, on the other hand, is coverage that helps both you and your staff. Workers compensation benefits are only available in the event that an employee’s illness or injury is work related. As the business owner, work related illness and injury are considered your responsibility – meaning their medical care is on you. With workers comp, you are covered from unexpected medical expenses and your employee is protected from financial loss while they recover.

What Else Can I Do to Protect My Employees?

While not every injury or illness is preventable, there are steps you can take to avoid workplace accidents, protect your business and keep your team happy and healthy.

Follow OSHA Guidance

OSHA offers great resources and guidance for employers to keep the workplace safe and accident-free. Visit their website and talk to the nearest representative to see what steps you can take for your business.

Once you have a safety plan and procedures in place, be sure every member of your team knows their part. Host regular trainings and keep safety materials readily available so your employees are ready for anything.

Other Coverage to Consider

Workers’ compensation isn’t the only insurance coverage you need to be fully protected. Talk to an independent insurance agent about all your options, including Business Owners policies, private health insurance, optional disability and life insurance coverage and more.

While not all of these policies will be offered by the same company, your independent insurance agent can help point you in the right direction. today to see what coverages you need.

Call (702) 541-0882 or email help@gethelpwithinsurance.net for insurance quotes.

223 S. Water Street, Suite B, Henderson, NV 89015

https://gethelpwithinsurance.net

Small Home Projects to Increase Value

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Are you looking to increase the value of your home without breaking the bank? Look no further than these small home improvement projects that can make a big impact. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to improve its overall value, these projects are perfect for any budget. As always, keep your insurance agent updated on any changes to your home to ensure you’re properly protected.

Why Home Improvement Projects Matter

Home improvement projects are a great way to increase the value of your home. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, home improvement projects can increase the value of your home by up to 10%. Not only do they make your home more appealing to potential buyers; they also improve the overall functionality and comfort of your living space.

Here are our top 6 home improvement projects to consider:

  • Painting: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of your home. Consider painting the exterior of your home or giving your front door a new color to make a great first impression.
  • Landscaping: Planting new trees, shrubs, and flowers not only will improve the curb appeal of your home but can also help with energy efficiency by providing shade and insulation.
  • Kitchen Updates: Small updates to your kitchen, such as replacing hardware or adding a backsplash, can make a big impact. These updates are relatively inexpensive and can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look.
  • Deck or Patio Addition: Adding a deck or patio to your backyard can increase the usable space of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Plus, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining during the warmer months.
  • Bathroom Updates: Small updates to your bathroom, such as replacing fixtures or adding a new vanity, can make a big impact. These updates are relatively inexpensive and can give your bathroom a fresh, modern look.
  • Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Spring is a great time to make energy-efficient upgrades to your home. Consider replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones or adding insulation to your attic to save on heating and cooling costs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

When it comes to home improvement projects, you may wonder whether you should tackle them yourself or hire a professional. The answer depends on the project and your skill level.

DIY Projects

DIY projects can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, it’s important to know your limits and not take on a project that is beyond your skill level. Here are some DIY projects that are relatively easy and can increase the value of your home:

  • Painting: As mentioned earlier, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of your home. This is a relatively easy project that can be done by most homeowners.
  • Landscaping: Planting new trees, shrubs, and flowers is a relatively easy project that can improve the curb appeal of your home. Just make sure to do your research and choose plants that are suitable for your climate.
  • Replacing Fixtures: Replacing old fixtures, such as faucets and doorknobs, is a simple project that can give your home a fresh, updated look.

When You Should Hire a Professional

For more complex projects, it may be best to hire a professional. They’ll have the necessary skills and experience and have the tools and equipment needed to get the job done right. Here are some projects that are best left to the professionals. Do make sure anyone you hire is properly insured and bonded.

  • Electrical Work: Electrical work can be dangerous and should only be done by a licensed electrician.
  • Plumbing: Plumbing projects can be tricky and can cause major damage if not done correctly. It’s best to hire a professional plumber for any plumbing projects.
  • Major Renovations: If you’re planning on doing a major renovation, such as a kitchen remodel or adding an addition to your home, it’s best to hire a professional contractor. They will have the necessary skills and experience to ensure the project is done correctly and up to code.

Budget-Friendly Home Improvement Projects

Not all home improvement projects have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly projects that can increase the value of your home:

Curb Appeal 

Improving the curb appeal of your home is a great way to increase its value. Here are some budget-friendly ways to improve your home’s curb appeal:

  • Paint the Front Door: A fresh coat of paint on your front door can make a big impact. Choose a bold color that will make your home stand out.
  • Add Some Greenery: Plants and flowers can make your home more inviting and improve its curb appeal.
  • Upgrade Your Mailbox: A new mailbox can give your home a fresh, updated look. Consider choosing a unique design or painting your existing mailbox to make it stand out.

Kitchen Updates

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and small updates can make a big impact. Here are some budget-friendly ways to update your kitchen:

  • Paint Cabinets: If your cabinets are in good condition but just need a fresh look, consider painting them.
  • Replace Hardware: Replacing old cabinet hardware with new, modern hardware can give your kitchen a fresh, updated look.
  • Add a Backsplash: Adding a backsplash is a relatively easy and budget-friendly way to update your kitchen.

    Get Help With Insurance, Inc.
    223 S Water Street, Suite B
    Henderson, NV 89015
    (702) 541-0882, office
    (888) 258-0208, fax
    help@gethelpwithinsurance.net

Best Practices for Businesses with Commercial Vehicles

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Best Practices for Businesses with Commercial Vehicles

 

Many businesses have commercial autos and hire drivers to drive.  I would like to forward some basic safety tips that can help you reduce the chance of your employees and/or you from the chance from being injured in an automobile accident:

-When you hire drivers, make sure that you hire safe one. Remember that your drivers represent your business when they are on the road. Once they are on board, you may want to train your drivers regarding best practices, such as the ones described below.

– It’s best to focus all of your attention on the road. Did you know that engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increases the risk of getting into a crash? Avoid anything that can distract you while driving.

– Maintain safe equipment. Well-maintained vehicles are not only safer, they can help you save money.

-Always, always wear your seatbelt. Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths. It is sad to hear of accidents that injured people who might have otherwise been protected had they been wearing seatbelts.

Our agency offers a comprehensive line of business insurance, including general liability, cyber, employment practices, and workers’ compensation coverage from a lot of different insurance carriers. We take your information once and then we go quote your insurance with all the carriers we have. We present this info to you. Let us quote your insurance. Send us a copy of it via email.

To learn more, please contact our agency.

Get Help With Insurance, Inc.
Jim and Bonnie Grant
702-541-0882
help@gethelpwithinsurance.net
223 S Water Street, Suite B
Henderson, NV 89015

Smart Home Insurance Policies in Nevada

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Smart Home Insurance Policies in Nevada

 

Home insurance is not something many of us think about, but if something happened to our home, it would be catastrophic. A review of your policy is an important task to be done on a frequent basis especially if you make upgrades to your home such as adding a swimming pool, adding an additional detached garage, changing type of flooring or anything in my opinion! The reason is that the replacement cost of your home will change and the insurance replacement value will change. So your insurance agent needs to know that you made changes when you are finished with those changes. It would probably be a good idea to even get pictures of the new changes to your agent.

Home insurance in Nevada has a basic policy style. It has coverage for your home dwelling, which covers the home building including attached structures on the residence premises used principally as a private residence. Separate structures coverage covers separated property such as fences, walls, swimming pools, etc. The third section of your home policy is personal property. Personal property includes everything that you own or use anywhere in the world!

If you cannot live in your home due to a covered loss, Loss of Use Coverage will pay for your additional living expenses to live somewhere else.  If this home was a Rental, the rent that you would lose due to a covered loss would be reimbursed. Personal Liability and Medical Expenses for Guests are also covered in a standard policy up to the policy limits.

Many policies only give you just these coverages. Insurance policy options shouldn’t just be a matter of “here is the policy we offer and I hope it fits your needs.”

Examples include Building Ordinance, Identity Shield, Specialty Property insurance riders for your guns, jewelry, silverware, furs, cameras, earthquake, Energy-Star Efficiency, flood, etc.

Do they only offer flat deductibles, percent deductibles, or both? How about declining deductibles?

When was the last time you sat down with an Agent? Is everything up-to-date? Every company’s policy has special limits on certain kinds of personal property. Does your current policy come with a little extra fluff coverage that you don’t need?  Insurance companies should offer options.

Do you know the answers to these questions? We offer no obligation, free obligation free reviews of your policy. Please call us for a quote at 702-541-0882 or email a request to Help@gethelpwithinsurance.net. Our website is https://gethelpwithinsurance.net

Do you need a reason to get life insurance? Here are a few…

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Discover the importance of life insurance in securing your family’s future. Protect your loved ones and provide financial security with life insurance.

Dear Insured,

I am a promise

I help man see visions, dream dreams, and achieve economic immortality

I am education for children

I am savings

I am also property that can increase in value from year to year

I lend money when you need it most with no questions asked

I pay off mortgages so that the family can remain together in its own home

I assure fathers the daring to live and the moral right to die

I create, manage, and distribute property

I am the great emancipator from want

I guarantee the continuity of business…. I protect the jobs of employees…. I conserve the employer’s investment

I am tangible evidence that a man is a good husband and father

I am declaration of financial independence, a charter of economic freedom

I am the difference between an old man and an elderly gentleman

I provide cash if illness, injury, old age, or death cuts off the breadwinner’s income

I am the only thing that a father can buy on the installment plan that a mother doesn’t have to finish paying for

I am a certificate of character, an evidence of good citizenship, and unimpeachable title to the right of self-government

I am protected by the laws that prevent creditors from assessing the money I give to your loved ones

I bring dignity, peace of mind, and security to latter years of life

I am here for those you love

MY LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

 

Call Bonnie Grant, License Insurance Broker
Get Help With Insurance, Inc.
223 S Water Street, Suite B,
Henderson, NV 89015 
(702) 541-0882

Best Safety Practices for Businesses with Commercial Vehicles

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Best Practices for Businesses with Commercial Vehicles

 

Many businesses have commercial autos and hire drivers to drive.  I would like to forward some basic safety tips that can help you reduce the chance of your employees and/or you from the chance from being injured in an automobile accident:

-When you hire drivers, make sure that you hire a safe one. Remember that your drivers represent your business when they are on the road. Once they are on board, you may want to train your drivers regarding best practices, such as the ones described below.

– It’s best to focus all of your attention on the road. Did you know that engaging in visual-manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing and texting) associated with the use of hand-held phones and other portable devices increases the risk of getting into a crash? Avoid anything that can distract you while driving.

– Maintain safe equipment. Well-maintained vehicles are not only safer, they can help you save money.

-Always, always wear your seatbelt. Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths. It is sad to hear of accidents that injured people who might have otherwise been protected had they been wearing seatbelts.

Our agency offers a comprehensive line of business insurance including general liability, cyber, employment practices, and workers’ compensation coverage. We quote your business with a lot of different insurance carriers. We do all the work so you can run your business and we take care of the insurance. We report back to you with our findings. Let us quote your insurance. Send us a copy of it via email. We will use the information on the policy.

To learn more, please contact Bonnie Grant at 702-541-0882 or help@gethelpwithinsurance.net

Get Help With Insurance, Inc.
223 S Water Street, Suite B
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 541-0882, office
(888) 258-0208, fax
help@gethelpwithinsurance.net

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Get Help With Insurance Inc. is the place for you to get help finding insurance

Get Help with Insurance Inc. is located in Henderson, NV.

We are a special kind of agency. We can quote your insurance with a LOT of carriers. Every carrier has an appetite for what and whom they want to insure.

We do all the shopping and will help you find the right carrier to insure you or your business. Contact us today.

Contact Us

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  • 223B South Water St
    Henderson, NV 89015
  • 888-258-0208 Fax
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    Weekends by Appointment
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