The State of Hawaii has strict rules regarding renovation of real property. A building permit is required if the cost or addition/renovation is over $1000 including materials and labor. Any work that would normally require a building permit such as a retaining wall, plumbing or electrical renovations must be performed by a licensed contractor.
There is a provision for an owner to act as his own contractor. Owner Builders have thier own set of rules to follow. More information will be provided in my next blog so check back.
You may be able to hire a contractor who specializes, like a painter but if your project requires several disciplines you will probably have to hire a general contractor. Look for a license code "B" next to their license number as this denotes a general contractor.
Be sure to check the status of the license of any one claiming to be a contractor and the type of license they hold, i.e. General Contractor or Specialty Contractor. This is easily done by going to the website of the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs aka DCCA. www.businesscheck.hawaii.gov
Be sure to keep copies of all contracts, license numbers and checks written. You will need to provide these when it's time to sell your home.
Maureen
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