1. What kind of work do you do?

 

T.J. Rand Construction, Inc. is a full service general contractor. We can build your customer home or just add a closet for you. We've tried to list jobs we do under our services tab. But, please contact us about any job you have in mind. Please go to ABOUT US tab.

 

2. How are you different from a local handy man?

 

T.J. Rand Construction, Inc. is licensed by The Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC), as required by the State of Maryland, which requires us to be insured for both liability and workers compensation. We also meet the EPA's regulation for certification in lead safe practices. Many of the handymen do not have an MHIC License. The MHIC does a credit check, requires knowledge of contract laws, and has a guarantee fund to ensure that you get financial help if your contractor defaults on your contract. Always hire a contractor that has a current MHIC license.

 

Ten facts you need to know about unlicensed home improvement contractors:

 

It is a crime to act as a home improvement contractor, subcontractor or salesperson in the State of Maryland without an MHIC license.

 

An unlicensed contractor may have a criminal history of violent crimes; he may be on probation. Perhaps he's also ripped off other homeowners.

 

Each year, unlicensed home improvement contractors defraud Maryland homeowners of millions of dollars by cheating and stealing.

 

Often unlicensed contractors charge for work they never perform or for unnecessary repairs.

 

Elderly homeowners are favorite targets of unlicensed contractors.

 

Many unlicensed contractors come to Maryland from other states, so recovering money or stolen items can be very difficult.

 

Often an unlicensed contractor will quote a very low price and then demand more money or engage in a "bait and switch" scam.

 

If a home improvement ad, contract, or vehicle, says "Licensed and Bonded," the individual is most likely not licensed and has no bond. Bonding companies typically do not issue performance bonds for residential jobs.

 

Unlicensed contractors drive vehicles with no MHIC number posted on the sides of the vehicles. Sometimes the MHIC number is a fake, so it's important to check with MHIC to see if the license number is valid and was issued to the individual who offers the home improvement service.

 

Many unlicensed contractors held a MHIC license in the past and had their license revoked because they performed shoddy work, failed to complete jobs, or for other violations of law.

 

3. How many estimates do you recommend I get?

 

We recommend that you get 3 estimates on your job. We also suggest that you put in writing a list of things you want to be bid on so that we are all bidding on the same work. It is important that you get estimates from 3 MHIC licensed contractors. It is not possible to compare non licensed contractor prices with licensed contractor prices. Please visit The Maryland Home Improvement Commission website. Go to Question #2.

 

4. What if I don't have any plans?

 

We can help you come up with ideas and have your plans drawn up by a draftsman.

 

5. Where can I cut back on costs?

 

Remember that changing the name of a room during a remodel project is cheaper than building a new room. Consider buying and supplying your plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and hardwood flooring. Sometimes homeowners have access to great sales on these items.

 

6. What if I decide I want to change something?

 

Once we are working with you on your job, you will have constant direct contact with Tim Rand regarding when you have to make decisions, what decisions you need to begin to think about, and when the deadline is for changes to each phase of the job. We want you to be happy and discuss each phase before we get there.