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State Issues Advisory for Pool and Spa Owners

The Nevada State Contractors Board is advising homeowners to follow simple precautionary steps when having a swimming pool or spa built.

It is important that a homeowner's invoice list all pool or spa equipment used, and that the equipment has corresponding serial numbers to protect the homeowners' warranty rights.

Terry Mayfield, Executive Director of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, Southern Nevada Chapter, states, "Homeowners should be cautious."

If the equipment serial numbers don't match, or if there are no serial numbers on equipment, then manufacturers' warrantees will not apply.

The contractor should fully identify the serial number on all equipment covered by the warranty.

The Nevada State Contractors Board also advises homeowners to get at least three bids from licensed contractors before hiring someone.

Keep a job file on your project, where all important documents (the contract, canceled checks, design plans, etc.) can be kept for quick reference.

Stick to the original price negotiated. If changes are made, either at the homeowner or contractor's suggestion, get the change order in writing, and put this in your job file.

Contacting without a license in Nevada is a Misdemeanor for the first offense, a Gross Misdemeanor for the second offense and a Class E Felony for the third offense.

If you are approached by an unlicensed contractor, please contact the Nevada State Contractors Board by calling the Unlicensed Contractor Hotline at: (702) 486-1160 in Southern Nevada, or (775) 850-7838 in Northern Nevada. 

The Nevada State Contractors Board advises homeowners not to use unlicensed contractors because their work is generally poor quality, they are often uninsured and may not maintain workman's compensation coverage for their employees, and the homeowner may be liable for all injuries to workers.

Homeowners who use unlicensed contractors are not eligible for the Residential Recovery Fund, and by law their contracts are null and void.