Pitfalls of hiring an unlicensed contractor

Have you ever received a bid from an unlicensed contractor and it’s much lower than those from licensed contractors? It can sound appealing to save money for similar workmanship, however many consumers fall into that trap. Hiring the cheapest contractor can often cost you more money in the long run. Often, unlicensed contractors offer lower bids because they don’t pay a licensing fee, obtain a bond to protect their work and don’t have liability or workers compensation insurance. Here is why it’s important to find a licensed contractor: • Basic protection – A license in a specific fields shows that the person has a minimal level of competence in that field. • Protecting property values – Many home projects require permits and unpermitted work, if it’s not to code, that could impact the property value at the time of a sale. • Injury protection – A homeowner becomes the employer in the event of hiring an unlicensed worker and if that worker sustained injuries on the job, the homeowner could become liable. • Protection from damage to third parties- Unlicensed workers that are negligent of a neighboring property, a passerby or other property that is damaged may result in the homeowner being responsible for their actions while employed. In Arizona you need a license to bid on any job over $750. The state issues separate licenses for commercial and residential work for each particular trade or construction field. Licenses are good for two years. For more information on finding a licensed contractor, visit http://www.azroc.gov. We’re also happy to provide you with a complimentary consultation. Call us at...

Replanting Makes a Big Difference

One Scottsdale resident was in need of a major replanting at their home. Many of the plants they had where overgrown and hiding beautiful architectural features of the house. Landscaping by Andre removed approximately 90 percent of the original plant material from the front and installed plants that are more appropriate to the landscape and architecture of the house. The homeowners hosted a wedding last weekend and wanted the front and back yard to be complete for the ceremony. The before and after pictures show how we are able to make a huge difference with some replanting. If your home or office is in need of a make-over or replanting, feel free to call us at 480-483-8088. We’d be happy to give you a free consultation! Before pictures:   After...

New Outdoor Space for Wink 24

We recently completed a project at Wink 24 in the Biltmore shopping center. The new owners wanted to dress up the outdoor space and asked our team to design a planting plan. They had recently completed some metal work and wanted to use plant material around it to provide some privacy on the patio. Wink 24 wanted something that would be low maintenance, safe for their guests (no thorns or plants that would be messy) and plants that won’t require a lot of watering. Lance Trowbridge, Lead Designer at Landscaping by Andre opted for Lady Slipper to act as the screen, next he added some small aloes along the bottom to add interest and color. As for the beds that contained the new metal sculptures, he chose a rare agave that has a lime green flesh that matches the lime green color of the metal. “The agaves needed to be a statement piece,” said Trowbridge. “We wanted them to be substantial in size to make an impact as customers walked up to the patio/seating area. We also added a White Granite that acts as a stark contrast between the green plants, while providing a classy, upscale feel. Overall the new space looks great! It’s warm, inviting and easy for the restaurant to maintain.” Ruggero Borletti, owner of Wink 24 added, “Landscaping by Andre did a great job coming up with a plant design that matched the eclectic and unusual outdoor patio design of the rings and planters.” Next time you are in the mood for pizza, consider trying Wink 24 at the Biltmore. You won’t be...
Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Pinterest