Most states require licensing for contractors. Texas does not.

[@phyllisrobinson6742]

NEVER PAY A PERSON UNTIL THEY GET THOUGH WITH YOUR WORK

[@toniodouglass9537]

Corruption what america was built on 😒😒

[@mrwalle4u]

Exactly 🙏🏼

[@victorroel9763]

Pay as you go. Even steven

[@coachiti2009]

I never understand why people do this with contractors they hire for the first time. I had a 70 year old lady hire me to finish a driveway that a guy just demoed and took off with her money. She paid him 5k, he just removed the driveway and left a big pile of dirt on neighbors property. He then just stopped responding, he was also an out of state contractor. Two red flags, asking for full amount upfront and out of state phone number. Literally definition of fly by night contractor.

[@stevooliver3877]

Don't think that will happen ..depends on the project..if you have a one day fix its pay after but if its a week job with higher material cost then its about half upfront

[@eliascastillo1641]

Well to be fair, even if contractors require licenses for work, they’ll often subcontract people who don’t have licenses. And, a lot of times people hire anyone that says they can do it cheaper.

[@UmmYeahOk]

Yeah, you hire a contractor, especially in TX, and they’re probably picking up any day laborer waiting in a parking lot for work. It’s not like there are labor unions in TX either.

[@eliascastillo1641]

Even though Texas is a right to work state, There are labor unions in Texas . It doesn’t solve the problem.

[@judil3294]

At least in NH a contractor is required by their insurance to have certificates of insurance on all subs. They audit us once a year to make sure and check for themselves. A license won't protect you from a bad job. Insurance at least gives you a shot at claiming reimbursement. I am told that there would be a hefty fee if we don't get that piece of paper.

[@layparisss]

CALL THEM OUT !!!! Post their names & business names

[@atx4fun]

As a licensed HVAC contractor in Texas, there are 2 things that people need to know. 1) The licensing board enforces most of their regulations on licensed contractors and not focused on putting unlicensed contractors out of operation. This is partially because licensed contractors have an urgency in paying fines and maintaining their licenses and that unlicensed contractors have no fear of license revocation when they don't have one. 2) There are a large number of people who will complain about unlicensed contractors, but then jump at the lowest bid immediately. Maintaining a license, insurance and other requirements cost money and we have to bill accordingly. The average technician only costs 25-33% of the total invoice. Overhead, insurance, licensing, vehicles, tools and other costs make up the majority of the rest. If a licensed contractor nets a 10% net profit after paying all costs, they are an elite company with exceptional efficiency. This makes Joe Handyman who isnt carrying any of the items a cheap option and he makes great money. The appeal is great until you have an issue then you have this type story.

[@donaldlee6760]

Tom M - you make a great point, however this could be a great opportunity if you are an exceptional HVAC person and then choose to drop your license in order to gain a competitive cost advantage. You could now charge less but still keep an amazing word-of-mouth reputation (assuming you had a previously excellent reputation). Future customers would know that they have an advantage over you because you're invested in your reputation and you can direct them to rate your work for other (potentially future) customers. Customers always want to pay you less money and would be willing to publicly rate you in exchange for the discount. This ends up keeping both sides honest (assuming you don't run into the 1% of customers that try to take advantage of honest people). You could even write a story about why you dropped your license and in order to test this "experiment" for the benefit of your customers.

[@judil3294]

Absolutely true. That 10% profit can be tough to come by. I have worked for an elite contractor for many years.

[@dgreen114]

I have contracted Electrical and HVAC work in Texas for 50 years and don't accept $ up front. After the owner approves my job, I bill for the work. If the work is a new house, I bill 1/2 after the rough in is approved, and 1/2 after all is done. I also don't advertise; my customers tell their friends and neighbors. The problem outlined in this story is not a lack of licensing in Texas; it is a lack of integrity on the part of the "contractor" and a lack of prudence on the part of the home owners.

[@georgeedwards3284]

Chip Gaines form the popular tv Fixer Upper show is an unlicensed contractor in Texas. That explains why nearly every house he worked on has complaints.

[@matthewkathain5298]

who in their right mind would pay 10K up front for a basic bathroom remodel ???

[@whome6618]

Happens alot! Naive, honest people getting burned.

[@outremer91]

@@whome6618 Natural selection.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Can't fix stoopid. Go back to California.

[@toniodouglass9537]

Texans that don't believe in Corruption

[@TheMrgoodmanners]

The bible says. A fool and his money are soon parted

[@EurocopterMech]

lovely... and with all the renovations needed after this freeze/flooding this will be an issue....

[@toniodouglass9537]

Corruption what america was built on 😒😒😒

[@Pedroisanickname]

BTW, WFAA is doing a first class job for Texans

[@TheVilouboy]

🙏

[@jerryinohio1978]

I see plumbers and drywallers heading to Texas in droves faster than joe rogan and elon musk

[@TeslaBoy123]

U late bcz fast speed Gonzales is there months ago u late booooooo

[@rulu1953]

@@TeslaBoy123 you have to have a plumbing licenses.

[@cristianmunoz2480]

Nah bro a Plumber needs a license in Texas.

[@stanmoney8470]

They need an electrical license in Texas!

[@rogermiller6049]

Licenses has nothing to do with this. Never pay for everything upfront. Do google search of your contractor.

[@LydiaSings]

I did! Everything looked great! Still cost me $60,000 to repair the contractor's shoddy work! Texas law doesn't hold contractors accountable! Guess you missed the part where even with a judgment, law enforcement will not help homeowners collect. Texas sucks!

[@vera4799]

You want less regulation and this is what you get.

[@primrosed2338]

The only conclusion is Texas must have strong construction lobbyists.

[@sonnyroy497]

reptipublicans

[@djokawari1]

Or a lot of Mexicans.

[@cjxgraphics]

Seems a lot of people want government to stay out of their lives, until it benefits them.

[@dattyga]

This problem need to be fix. Texas need to help consumers get their money just like other states.

[@maryjeanjones7569]

What a dreadful place to live! No Thanks no interest in even visiting. You can keep it.

[@usatxmom]

Happened to me for $5000+ with Mike Mireles. Money up in smoke.

[@sonnyroy497]

Texas is a 'third world country' now. Officially. Yep, like that ad said, " Texas is a whole other country".

[@wictimovgovonca320]

They don't call it the wild west for nothing.

[@speedy01247]

Another example of how deregulation can be harmful.

[@ericaespinosa4030]

Notice most of those states that don't require license for contractors are mostly red states? I did

[@toniodouglass9537]

Are Texans aware of the word CORRUPTION 🤔

[@Executableapplication]

Kinda like California and New York, right?

[@texasscifi3431]

Yep legal stealing Cause nobody can enforce getting your money back.

[@nathancuellar4403]

If the contract is vague or tgere is no end date than contractors can just basically walk away

[@nathancuellar4403]

Legal crooks

[@godbluffvdgg]

Here in PA and NJ it's great that we need a license as a general contractor...It separates the wheat from the Chaff.

[@tracimontgomery6515]

That is terrible that means that anybody can come in town and pretend to be a plumber

[@Idolmakercat]

He is a crook. He sure knows how to talk.

[@11regnartseht]

Pay your contractor by the hour. It's more risk for them if you don't pay, but if they don't have a bond and insurance absolutely do not pay up front. I'm a remodeler by the way.

[@khrystleooo6994]

Never give a contractor all of your build back money. Its customary to only give 10% down. Why would you give a complete stranger $10,000?

[@kencarpenter1363]

They say it costs too much. So putting the burden on the consumer is better?

[@Danny-fs1hk]

SMH!!!

[@judil3294]

Sadly people feel desperate at times, but a customer should always check a subs record with others they've worked for, plus ask for a certificate of insurance, showing it issued to you, that way you know it is current. We keep a certificate on file for every sub we use. Separate from licensing, check that their business name is registered with the state.

[@Capjedi]

Okay... What school did you go to for your degree in contracting? How much was your tuition? Do you have a business law degree? Can you write a legally binding contract? Did you file your taxes last year, as an independent contractor? Did you make any money doing all of those things?

[@44godson]

It won't cost the state, this guy is incredulous and there needs to be a law

[@G7130]

Texans get exactly what they’re voted for. Also how do you not go to prison for fraud.

[@danpopescu5716]

Wild Wild West!!!

[@Mr11ESSE111]

in texas are like on old western movies when cowboys still was popular

[@julianarchuleta2830]

I’m a full time drywall finisher and general handyman, fully licensed and insured!! In Colorado

[@JAG214]

It simple pay them after they do the work and make sure they do it right, sure you may have to babysit them to make sure everything going well but it better then getting rip off

[@kareneDallas]

In Texas, to be a roofer, all you need is a ladder and a truck. I was told that long ago & was shocked to learn it’s true.

[@terenfro1975]

This is not just a problem with fly by night contractors. Its business in general in the state. My mother in law lost $40,000 to investment advisors that were recommended by the school district she worked for. As far as we can tell, they took a big commission for selling her a product, then that product just pocketed her money and declared bankruptcy. Instead of getting her money back or even a percentage, the millionaire that pocked her money was protect by the state and then AG Greg Abbot. In Falls County in the 80's, there was an auto theft ring that was connected to the county judge. The thieves were protected by the government for under the table bribes. Most of what you are seeing are the result of government corruption.

[@jennatolls904]

plot twist: he was at the home depot buying the tools but got robbed every time.

[@quanto4297]

Licensing isn’t the solution. Instead, make people criminally liable for this sort of thing.

[@primrosed2338]

When you are licensed consumers can look up your license number and see complaints and abuse. 🤦‍♀️

[@adrftgvvbh]

We live in Texas, my mother in law hired a Juan from Mexico and he added a 10x15 restroom to her master bedroom for 6k.... the whole works, shower was tiled too...... that was material and labor..... she bought the material and he got payed when he finished, 10k is crazy lol

[@bgdomingo]

Next time, go to the Better Business Bureau website to find a reputable contractor.

[@macking104]

yep, now you know why your pipes burst... probably didnt follow building codes...

[@hokeypokeypots]

Wonder if there are even building codes in TX.

[@mc-lp4zl]

@@hokeypokeypots Yes. There are building codes. I worked at a mobile home plant . We dealt with the inspectors. One of the workers had to unplug his hose, climb down off the catwalk, carry his staple gun about a hundred yards, climb up the ladder to put one staple in a strap. It took him 30 minutes to do all of that because he to wait on a ladder. All of that work for one staple.

[@kylealexander7024]

My brother and friend worked for a guy that did this to someone. Got 10k for a fountain and paid for a cpl jobs my bro and friend did and took the money for that job and didn't pay them for 3 weeks worth of work. Dude pry got 15k easy

[@thatboyflako214]

10k for that? We would of charged 6k and Finish it in a couple of days lol

[@whome6618]

It happens.

[@outremer91]

@@whome6618 Natural selection.

[@theunconventionaldeal3879]

I would have done it for 4k and took one day.

[@danielriveria]

I would've finished it in 1/2 day for 3500.

[@dogsense3773]

I would paint The bathtub and run!

[@jadkiss827]

Licensing contractors doesn't keep them from stealing money- taken/paid for jobs they don't do. Licensed contractor steal too..

[@1nfinitebean]

Unlicensed contractors sometimes do a better job tbh

[@rc3291]

More government, no thanks

[@QueenBees456]

Texas is such a renegade state...lol...

[@matadortx]

The mistake here was paying before the job was done ✅ You don’t do that. It’s only common sense

[@HouseJawn]

"Keep your dirty government hands off our contractors!!!" 🤣

[@boblongbow9170]

Then you track him down and

[@knprince5156]

The protection for consumers, is educating yourself with the basic practices of anything you purchase. Stop just shopping for the right (cheapest) price instead of going with reputable companies

[@Mr11ESSE111]

this bills and costs must pay ERCOT and Texas republicans

[@BS.-.-]

This happens in every state even with licensed contractors. Dont be fooled by the headline.

[@eltonmayo2027]

So even licensed contractors are ripoff artists. What's that got to do with the headline being deceptive? Besides, ripping off your customer is all American. USA! USA! USA!

[@tiktoktv4025]

Me being a Frugal person that I am I'll probably do it myself KZbin tutorials

[@03losloz]

I live and do bathroom renovations in dallas. I would have charged less than half that.

[@ThisGuysAnimation]

Yaaaaaay! You Rock!!

[@tminglei]

@03losloz. Are you license?

[@steelem422]

Geez scumbags are everywhere

[@ursulasmith6402]

Texas is a total different planet.

[@xoxxobob61]

In Florida you can't touch a property unless you have a Contractor's License (18 Categories) unless the Homeowner allows you to. This includes the Contractor being liable for Sub-Contractors too. They have to register with the Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation and a Homeowner can check on the status of a Contractor regarding complaints filed with the Department on their website. The state can suspend or revoke a Contractor's License depending on the severity of the complaint & be fined. I'm amazed Texas doesn't have anything like this to protect their homeowners.

[@EliezerFernandes]

This story haven’t nothing to do with license. If so, California would never see any case of undone service because here every single profession need a license. This is about character (of the contractor) and smartness (of the payer). In this story we see the both didn’t have any of this.

[@galleste]

Shows after all the busted pipes and sloppy construction

[@Heb101922]

This video is wrong o. Some of its information. I the state of GA, certain trades such as flooring, painting, carpentry, drywall, etc., do not have to be licensed through the State. Trades such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC do.

[@matthewgaines10]

Law makers aren't worried about protecting consumers. They are worried about harming the business of sketchy contractors.

[@DUZCO10]

It's now easier than ever to tarnish someone's reputation. A little due diligence goes a long way. Don't need the state for that

[@jgorge2702]

It's Texas...... of course!

[@calibro6767]

All you need to do is ask for their license that is from any person you come in contact working on your home on your business. I thought it was common sense to do this basic deduction. Why would you trust $10000 or more To someone that does not have a contractor's license.

[@tbz1551]

3:06 You didn't need to hire a PI to know what you needed to know about this guy. Clearly!

[@draco2xx]

If you willing to pay before the job is done, then you deserve whatever happens to you

[@rulu1953]

You don't have to have a contractors licenses but we do have a contractors licenses and you should only hire those types of contractors. These people hire none license contractors because they are cheaper, and you get what you payed for.

[@judil3294]

A license will not help you get that $ out of the turnip. Check that they have INSURANCE!!! Google them!! Get that insurance certificate issued to you in your name. YES, an insured sub will cost you more. Use some common sense before inviting a stranger into your home. I have worked in this field over 30 years. Make sure they are insured, and by getting that recent certificate, IN YOUR NAME, if they default on insurance payments the agency will send you notification.

[@DragonXflyer]

If there is no regulation guiding contractors through the proper channels than anyone can just undercharge a job and run.

[@toniodouglass9537]

👏 👏 👏 i guess some Texans don't believe in Corruption 😒😒😒

[@thebluecottage9952]

We had this happen at our old home. Looked up the guy only after we were having problems with him. Everyone had a bad experience with him. He did bad work and gave you a warranty but then would never honor it after his work started to fall apart. Lost 10k because of him and there is practically nothing we can do legally to get any type of solution.

[@VB-fo1oc]

And the ppl who are going to suffer are those who are who didn’t have formal training & those unable to afford licensing fees

[@BinkyTheGoddessDivine]

Texas: "We don't need the government." LOL

[@Splexsychiick]

It shouldn't cost 10000 to renovate that bathroom. Sad life.

[@t-money8572]

You can easily solve this issue by not ever paying 10k for a job up front. Material hold should never be more than 10%. If you are putting more than 10% down before work is completed then you are leaving yourself liable to theft

[@davidwilken3584]

Never pay in full up front. 1/3 in beginning to buy material. 1/3 midway through for materials and labor. 1/3 at completion and not before.

[@sausauia9799]

Licensed contractors have bad players as well. Sounds like they all went with the cheapest guy and zero research or references. Lindsey then gave him money up front...bruh

[@rakatan8930]

What else do they not regulate?

[@hokeypokeypots]

Electrical grids?

[@toniodouglass9537]

Wolf in sheeps clothing 😒😒

[@mc-lp4zl]

Your underwear.

[@My_Lacrimosa]

Electricity, natural gas, childcare

[@Liofigsguitar]

Is not licensing problem !

[@lindaosowski742]

See work first

[@sheriylen2012]

Even the licenses that are there are laughable! Nobody holds them in check.

[@mariomireles518]

DIY

[@andrewgoldberg5545]

And a government license will solve this? People have government licenses to drive, we still have wrecks everyday.

[@factsoverfiction7826]

But imagine everyone driving with no testing for skills and no insurance 🤕 🔥🚐

[@Jaysaflame]

Yeah medical procedures would be a heck of alot cheaper if the doctors didn't need those darn licenses. I say we get rid of em too.

[@jean6453]

Con men must love Texas

[@ToddTinley]

@@jean6453 And the Federal Reserve.

[@TheMrgoodmanners]

People like andrew are why texas is the way it is. Irredeemably dumb

[@rome2285]

It won’t work

[@MegF142857]

Try to find someone recommended by your neighbors.

[@johnpenley]

uninsured and unlicensed plumbers performing emergency repairs...what could go wrong?🤔

[@TheSliverleaf]

License people do this too. Use only those that have been referred to you by people you know.

[@lindaosowski742]

A attorney needs a license?

[@PrincestonTheFrenchBulldog]

I agree. Judges orders are a joke. Know one enforce them.

[@Thats_MarieHoney]

Cant relate. Trust people you know and from word of mouth so if they do anything you can tract them down. In the south, you call on the guy who does everything for everybody and he cuts you slack if you’re poor. It’s sad how these people are.

[@tadiafoster4460]

Sad...

[@bgdomingo]

Contractor, not your friend.

[@christinamarie3598]

..are you kidding??

[@lewis1180]

More government is the solution?

[@patriciamunsch3920]

Only hire licensed insured and bonded companies. I've noticed that in some areas of Oklahoma people have done their own outdoors electrical wiring. I guess it doesn't matter there either. That has to stop

[@amistenson2535]

Most background check sites charge around $5 for a month of unlimited searches. Get a reloadable debit card to make the online purchase to protect yourself on that level too. I really wish all of the people he has stolen from were able to get justice, but it is highly unlikely. Sadly, criminals have rights also and too often their rights seem prevenient instead of being equal.

[@eyeswideshut2800]

Wonder why they all trusted him, you need references to get that much moola out of me.

[@coachiti2009]

Cause he's white, any other ethnicity contractor couldn't pull that type of con.

[@richinoable]

Gee what could go wrong. Don't worry. Greg Abbott will come along and help you dodge the Bill

[@Executableapplication]

Must have missed that part where a DEMOCRAT fought against the this bill.

[@richinoable]

@@Executableapplication the this bill. 😅calm down, honey. You can't type as fast as your triggering

[@villc2423]

Will all burglars stop ones a law is in place for them to stop robbing?