Staff Report – March 6, 2025

This guide comes straight from a wake-up call on the Moyock Facebook Page, where one reader spilled the beans on a local contractor gone rogue. What started as a simple job turned into a nightmare—missed deadlines, and a big hit to his wallet when he paid too much upfront. Sound familiar? Hiring a contractor can make or break your project—here’s how to nail it and dodge the same mess.

Hiring a contractor can make or break your project—here’s how to nail it. Start with due diligence: scour reviews on Google, Yelp, or even Nextdoor, and demand at least two recent references you can call—ideally with photos of the work. Past clients spill the real story. Next, collect three or more detailed quotes. Insist on breakdowns: labor hours, material costs (e.g., $20/sq ft for sod), and a clear timeline (e.g., ‘done by May 15’). Fuzzy numbers mean sloppy planning—pass.

Here’s where it gets critical: confirm they’re licensed and insured. Don’t just nod when they say, ‘Yeah, I’m covered.’ Ask for their license number—check it on your state’s contractor board website (e.g., CSLB in California)—and demand a current certificate of insurance for general liability and workers’ compensation. Call the insurer to verify it’s active; expired policies or Photoshopped docs are a thing. Why? Picture this: you hire Joe’s Landscaping to redo your backyard—new patio, trees, the works. Joe’s cheap, friendly, local. But he’s uninsured. One day, his worker trips over a root, breaks an arm, and can’t work for months. Medical bills pile up. Who’s that worker suing? Joe’s got no workers’ comp and maybe no assets—good luck getting blood from a stone. So they turn to you, the homeowner with a fat insurance policy or a house to lien. You’re stuck with a $50K lawsuit—or more if it’s a head injury—because Joe skipped the basics. Licensed, insured contractors carry that burden; uninsured ones dump it on you.

Then, lock it down in writing. A contract should detail everything: ‘install 10×10 paver patio, plant 5 oaks, finish by June 1,’ plus payment terms (e.g., $500 deposit, $2K midway, $1K on completion) and what happens if they flake. Pay in stages—20% up front, 50% mid-job, 30% at the end—holding that final chunk until you’re thrilled with your new yard. Never pay 100% upfront; you’ll see excuses, not results. Trust your instincts, too. If Joe balks at showing insurance or rushes you to sign, walk away. Pros don’t dodge paperwork—they’ve got it ready.

One last trap to dodge: the high school friend. Sure, you’ve known Mike since you were 15—baseball games, prom, the works. He’s got a truck and a mower now, says he’ll hook you up cheap. But familiarity isn’t insurance. If Mike—or his helper—gets hurt on your property, that lifelong bond won’t stop a lawsuit. A broken leg, a stack of bills, and suddenly Mike’s not your buddy; he’s a plaintiff. Or his worker is, and you’re the deep pocket they target. Don’t let nostalgia cloud the math: no license, no insurance, no dice—friend or not.”