BULLETIN: 11-08

August 15, 2011

Trust, but Verify

On his desk in the White House, President Truman had a sign that famously stated, “The Buck Stops Here”! As a state licensed contractor, you should be aware that the law holds you accountable to contract exclusively with properly licensed contractors.  According to La. R.S. 37:2158A(4), the board may revoke, suspend, refuse to renew a license, or issue cease and desist orders to stop work, or debar a person or licensee for “entering into a contract with an unlicensed contractor involving work or activity for the performance of which a license is required…”

This prohibition not only applies to subcontractors that you may hire, but also to contractors that hire you. Even though you may not actually sign a contract, to verbally agree to perform work for an unlicensed contractor for a fee would still be considered a violation. Contractors found in violation of this statute may be subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 plus $500 court costs, as well as possible suspension or revocation of their contractor’s license. The unlicensed contractor is liable to the State Licensing Board for up to 10% of the value of his contract plus court costs, and will, in most likelihood, be removed from the project.

Don’t take a chance on unnecessary delays on your project, or put your license at risk. Take the time to know the status of contractors that you are working with.  Our website provides easy access for current information on all state licensed contractors.

If you still have any questions, contact the Compliance Division at the main office located in Baton Rouge for assistance. Don’t find out the hard way that when it comes to licensing law in Louisiana, “the buck stops with you.”

 “Properly licensed and qualified contractors…It’s the Law!”

For questions or further information, please visit our website at http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/ or contact us by phone at 225-765-2301 Ext. 213 or send an email to newsletter@lslbc.louisiana.gov.

Now that we’ve been ‘invited’ to your home…we are happy to accept the invitation.  When giving someone directions to your home, you always describe your house.  ”Take a right on Oak Street, we live in the second block, third house on the right…our house is the one with ____________.”  So, what does one see when looking at your house?  What is the descriptive trademark of your home?  What’s the ‘curb appeal’ of your home?

This is one area that could be an inexpensive project for your home and would have an immediate impact.  It could be as simple as a new coat of paint, a new front door and maybe some shutters, or it could be an exterior project with an interior impact.

First, the simple project.  Many times we are asked if we would do something as simple as replace a front door and some rotten wood.   The answer is “Yes!  We’d love to help.”  We’d take a good look at the exterior of your home and make suggestions.  Are the columns in good shape?  What about the shutters – do they need painting, are they the right size shutters for your windows, does the shutter fit the style of your home?  Are the flower beds or shrubs compromising the integrity of the foundation?

"Before" - the owner wanted a new look for her bungalow

Next, let’s take a look at an exterior project with an interior impact.  ”Recently, I was asked to consult on a project where the owner wanted to update her exterior, but she had an interior problem.  She didn’t have enough closet space” said Mike Penn. After measuring and sketching, Mike had the following solution.  ”We were in luck, the Master Bedroom faced the front of the house.  It was a pretty easy fix — she had enough room between the front door and an existing window to extend the front porch which allowed for a nice sized closet addition into the Master Bedroom. Then, the front of the house could be re-faced with stonework, shutters and a new front door.”

Penn Homes Sketch

Mike recommended a combination of products to create a focal point that added historic strength to the home.   The use of cultured stone and cedar beams from an old sugar mill gave a distinct look that was also durable and weather resistant.  Additionally, he recommended adding a Bevolo gas fixture for ambiance and additional lighting.  The owner had a great looking house with fantastic curb appeal while solving her interior problem of inadequate closet space.  A simple solution the owner could afford yet couldn’t visualize without the help of a professional builder like Mike Penn.

These are the type things Penn Homes has to offer.  We’d look at your project – then make recommendations based on what you were interested in investing in your home.  Mike Penn would break them down into the things necessary and those things which are optional, yet would add value to your home.  We would help you determine the cost of the project and work out a construction schedule to suit your family’s needs.

Curb appeal is what makes someone want to see the inside of your home and we’d love to help.  Can’t wait to hear from you.

Our children in the Courtyard. Justin Penn, center, is a Project Manager at Penn Homes.

At  Penn Homes, we consider it an honor and privilege to be invited into your home.   What do I mean by ‘invited’ into your home?  You know…’invited.’ Invited to come and look at your home to discuss remodeling, renovation or a home addition.  I get an adrenaline rush when I walk in the front door — endless possibilities.  I love it!  Mike is the more analytical one who can turn the dream into reality, but I love the creative side.

For the first 15 years of our marriage, Mike and I lived in two new homes built by Penn Homes.  I loved them both, but I was interested in the challenge of taking an older home and customizing it for my family’s specific needs.  As I type this blog, I’m sitting at my kitchen table (the hub of every home) looking out a beautiful window into a koi and goldfish-filled pond.  The pond is situated in a beautiful courtyard with mondo grass nestled between blue stone pavers.  The iron fence and gate surrounding the courtyard were re-claimed from an estate down the street.  It’s the quiet place you’ll find us most afternoons after a long day at the office.  Simply beautiful…

I’ve often been asked how did we decide what to do.  What can you do to a home that gives  the most return on your investment?  What is the most value-added enhancement to a home?  How did we have the vision?  Over the next few weeks, I’ll blog about the renovation of our home and different remodeling and home addition projects for others that have been crafted by Penn Homes.  I’ll have comments from some of our remodel customers about the projects…and, hopefully, you’ll be inspired and see the potential in your home and ‘invite’ us over.