| Jeff Lytle: Newsletters report the darnedest things
The things you learn from organizations' newsletters and magazines. Naples' Gulf Shore Association of Condominiums reveals several member condos have banned contractors who use illegal immigrants. Association president Murray Hendel goes on to say the organization still opposes connecting Gulf Shore Boulevard with Seagate Drive; is urging Publix to skip plans to convert the Neapolitan Way store to a specialized, organic store; and is monitoring the use of cell phones on the private Park Shore beach boardwalk: “Obviously, they cannot be banned; however, we urge that they be used only when necessary and not for social discourse and discussion." In the East Naples Civic Association newsletter, president Tom Cannon, who also is a fire board member, speaks up for the average homeowner: “Isn't it a little funny that the state is demanding all local governments to cut their taxes while the state is not reducing any of its taxes? In fact, the state added a 2 percent surcharge on all homeowners insurance next year to help fund the bankrupt insurance companies.
Storm damage? Check contractor
As residents and business owners continue to assess the damage from Monday's windstorm, the state is reminding people to do some checking before hiring a contractor for repair work. Steve Pierce, spokesman for the Department of Labor and Industries, said doing some background checks can protect home and business owners against contractors who take the money and run or do a poor job and won't come back to fix the problem. At www.contractors.lni.wa.gov, people can see whether a contractor is registered with L&I and whether that contractor has any current claims against his or her bond. Contractors are required to register with the state and post a bond of between $6,000 and $12,000, as well as have liability insurance. Also, treeremoval services are now required to be registered as contractors with the state.
Ten Checks to Avoid Getting Scammed
02/11/2007 21:14:00 Business Wire As the rebuilding process begins following the devastating wildfires in Southern California, homeowners should be extremely cautious when hiring contractors.
A good, trustworthy contractor will be a key partner in the recovery process.
However, unscrupulous contractors may take advantage of people who have experienced a catastrophic event.
Homeowners should take their time in choosing true professionals to repair their homes.
Ten Checks to Avoid Getting Scammed
-- Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home.
-- Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.
-- Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association.
-- Inspect contractors licenses and proof of liability insurance.
FSA shuts down insurance broker after it left clients uninsured
The FSA has closed down Manchester based insurance broker M. Young Legal Associates for leaving clients uninsured by selling them insurance without underwriting in place. The regulator has banned managing director Michael Young, also known as Mohammad Younas Yousaf, and financial director Asif Habib Malik for their roles in the affair. The firm advised on and sold 'after-the-event legal expenses insurance policies' that cover the customers' legal costs if their claim is unsuccessful. The FSA's investigations found that between July 2003 to March 2004 and September 2004 to November 2005, MYLA issued policies in the names of National Insurance and Guarantee Corporation Limited, IGI Insurance Company Limited and Contractors Bonding Limited despite having no underwriting agreement in place.
Be Cautious Hiring Help During Wildfire Recovery
As the rebuilding process begins following the devastating wildfires in Southern California, homeowners should be extremely cautious when hiring contractors. A good, trustworthy contractor will be a key partner in the recovery process. However, unscrupulous contractors may take advantage of people who have experienced a catastrophic event. Homeowners should take their time in choosing true professionals to repair their homes. Ten Checks to Avoid Getting Scammed� Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home. Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors. Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association. Inspect contractors� licenses and proof of liability insurance. Get a contract in writing. Avoid paying money up-front.
College suing over cracks in gym floor
BETHLEHEM TWP. | Northampton Community College has sued multiple contractors over cracks in a newly installed gym floor at the student center. According to the suit, crews installing the electrical and heat, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in the Spartan Gym drove a scissor lift over the new floor in February 2005 without putting plywood under the wheels to protect the surface. A month later, the floor cracked, the suit says. The floor cost $300,000 to install, the suit says. The student activity center itself cost $5.7 million, the suit says. The college sued general contractor Rizzetto Construction Management of Schnecksville; Arch Insurance of Philadelphia, the company that bonded the contractor; and heating and ventilation contractor Worth & Co.
Owners Could Be Liable If Claim Is Filed By Uninsured Worker
On several occasions, our board president and management company have hired unlicensed or improperly licensed vendors and contractors to do repairs and replacements in the complex. These unlicensed contractors fail to apply for or obtain construction permits. The board fails to check for proper insurance coverage. This practice was repeated even after the city notified the association that the proper procedure had to be followed and to properly obtain building permits. If an accident should take place on our property and a lawsuit follow, would the director liability insurance coverage pay damages? A plaintiff's lawyer could easily discover the circumstances of negligence of our board. What liability would be incurred by all homeowners in the association? S.P.
FREELANCING: Remember taxes, health coverage
Flexible hours, choosing one's own projects and being able to work in pajamas might seem appealing, but before deciding to join the rising number of temporary or self-employed American workers, make sure to plan for financial and emotional stability. The Freelancers Union, a nonprofit organization, offers some tips for those wishing to strike out on their own. Get health insurance. If traditional individual insurance setups are too costly -- one provider's monthly cost ranged from about $130 per person to $1,000 per family -- consider joining a catastrophic medical insurance plan, which is intended to supplement regular insurance and often has low monthly payments. Don't forget taxes. Many freelancers and contractors get paid in a lump sum, but taxes still have to come from those paychecks.
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