Southern Nevada is vulnerable to a variety of natural and manmade disasters. From wildfires, flash floods, high winds and earthquakes to vandalism, human error and terrorism, severe property damage can occur at any moment with no warning, leaving a business with an inoperable storefront.
When it comes to protecting your business from financial loss, it’s important to think through potential damage-driven scenarios before they occur and have a plan of action ready for when crisis strikes.
The Nevada State Contractors Board recommends first reaching out to your insurance provider to review the terms of your policy. Discuss post-disaster requirements, processes and timeframes for remedying the situation, whether it’s a minor window repair or a complete flood restoration.
Regardless of the work to be performed, the board encourages hiring licensed Nevada contractors. If hiring is handled by an insurance company, ask for the contractor’s license number prior to the work being performed, and verify it on the board’s website (nscb.nv.gov) or by calling 702-486-1100.
Licenses show whether contractors are in good standing or have incurred any disciplinary actions, the trades they are licensed to work in, their monetary limit (maximum amount they can charge per project), surety or cash bond information, and contact information. By hiring licensed Nevada contractors, the full authority of the board is at your service.
You have four years from the date the work is performed to file a complaint if you are not satisfied. The board will assign an investigator to your case and, if workmanship issues are validated, will order the contractor to make the necessary repairs.
Should you find yourself in need of immediate repairs, it is important to be cautious of unlicensed contractors who may appear to be more affordable but come with added risks, such as not carrying worker’s compensation insurance and not demonstrating current knowledge of construction laws and building requirements. Should workmanship issues result, your only recourse would be civil litigation, as the board does not have jurisdiction over unlicensed individuals.
Regardless of how small or large the repairs may be, a licensed contractor should be used for any electrical, heating, air conditioning or plumbing work, any construction project that requires a building permit, any health/safety work (such as elevator conveyance), and any project with a value of $1,000 or more.
The bottom line: Always ask for a contractor’s license number and verify it prior to entering into a contract. And best prepare your business for disaster by considering all scenarios, having plans in place and knowing who you’re going to call.
Margi Grein is executive officer of the Nevada State Contractors Board.