And Why They’re Worth Every Penny…
If you’re planning a home remodel in Orland Park, Tinley Park, or Mokena, you’re likely getting quotes that vary — sometimes by thousands of dollars. In most cases, that price difference comes down to one thing — being a licensed and insured remodeling contractor.
Hiring a licensed and insured remodeling contractor isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about protecting your home, your finances, and your peace of mind. Let’s break down exactly what those terms mean, what risks you take when you don’t verify them, and why investing in a reputable professional always pays off.
Table of Contents:
- What It Means When a Contractor Is Licensed
- What It Means When a Contractor Is Insured
- Why Licensed and Insured Contractors Cost More
- The Risks of Remodeling With an Unlicensed Contractor
- Why Remodeling With a Licensed Contractor Is Far More Worth It
- Real Example: Orland Park Homeowners Who Chose the Right Way
- How To Tell If A Contractor Is Licensed And Insured
- Start Your Remodel With A Licensed And Insured Contractor
What It Means When a Remodeling Contractor Is Licensed
A licensed contractor has met the legal and professional requirements to perform construction and remodeling work in their city or state.
In Illinois, contractors must meet local standards — and in areas like Orland Park, Homer Glen, and Palos Heights, that includes:
- Registering with the local building department
- Passing trade or general contractor exams
- Complying with building codes and inspection laws
- Renewing their license regularly to stay in good standing
Why It Matters
When you work with a licensed contractor, you’re hiring someone who is:
- Qualified: They’ve proven knowledge of safety codes, local ordinances, and proper building practices.
- Accountable: They answer to regulatory boards — meaning poor work or unethical practices can result in license suspension.
- Inspected: Licensed contractors are required to pull the right permits, ensuring your remodel passes city inspections.
That means if you ever sell your home, remodels done by a licensed professional won’t cause issues during the inspection process. It’s one less worry down the road.
In short, a license means legitimacy, accountability, and compliance — all key to protecting your biggest investment.
What It Means When a Remodeling Contractor Is Insured
A contractor who is insured carries financial protection for both their business and your home. There are two major types of coverage that matter to homeowners:
1. General Liability Insurance
This protects against property damage or accidents that happen during your remodel. If a ladder tips over and cracks your new countertop, or a water line bursts while installing plumbing, liability insurance covers the repair costs — and you don’t have to fork over more money for something that clearly wasn’t your doing.
2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor isn’t insured, you could be held financially responsible for medical bills and lost wages. That can be a total hit – both psychologically and financially – if you didn’t know about it. A reputable contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance so that their team — and your wallet — are protected.
Why It Matters to You
An insured contractor means peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about lawsuits, property damage, or surprise bills from accidents. It’s like a safety net that ensures your remodel won’t turn into a financial nightmare. It may seem like a tacky add-on to an already hefty investment, but you’d be surprised how common accidents happen on the house.
Think of insurance as invisible armor. You might not see it, but you’ll be thankful it’s there when something goes wrong. Better safe than sorry.
Why Licensed and Insured Contractors Cost More
If we’re being honest, the price difference can be noticeable. Licensed and insured remodelers often charge higher rates than “cash-only” or unlicensed handymen. But when you look closer, that higher price represents real value and protection.
Here’s where that extra cost comes from:
- Licensing Fees and Renewals: Contractors must pay annual fees to keep their licenses in each municipality they serve (for example, Orland Park, Lockport, Naperville).
- Insurance Premiums: Liability and workers’ comp insurance can cost a company thousands per year but it ensures you aren’t exposed to risk.
- Skilled Labor: Licensed remodelers employ trained, certified professionals — carpenters, electricians, plumbers — who follow strict safety and code standards. Especially us, we only hire the best at their craft.
- Permit and Inspection Management: They handle the paperwork, permits, and city inspections that keep your remodel legal and compliant with codes.
- Warrantied Work: Professional contractors stand behind their work, often providing warranties on both labor and materials. Meaning if something breaks down after the build, they’ll come back and fix it for you at no extra cost.
All of this adds up to a safer, smoother, and more reliable remodeling process.
So yes — the quotes are higher. But it’s also the difference between a remodel that’s done right versus one that might need to be redone later.
So… what happens when you work with an unlicensed contractor..?
The Risks of Remodeling With an Unlicensed Remodeling Contractor
It’s tempting to go with a cheaper quote from your neighbor who “knows a guy.” But here’s what homeowners in Orland Park and surrounding areas risk when they hire an unlicensed or uninsured contractor:
No Permits or Inspections: Lower Resale Value
Unlicensed contractors often skip the permitting process to save time or avoid scrutiny. That might seem convenient — until you try to sell your home. Non-permitted work can fail inspection and lower your home’s resale value. That’s just another headache you’ll have to eventually take care of.
No Insurance Coverage
If something goes wrong — damage, injury, or theft — you’re liable. Your homeowner’s insurance might even deny coverage for work done by an unlicensed contractor. And for an investment like remodeling, it will be more than just a few dollars…
No Accountability
Without a license, there’s no governing body holding the contractor accountable for poor workmanship that isn’t compliant with codes or unfinished projects. You could be left with an incomplete remodel and no recourse. Meaning you have to call another contractor and spend more just to get the job done.
Lower Quality Work
Let’s be honest, unlicensed = unprofessional. Unlicensed remodelers may lack formal training or cut corners with cheaper materials and unsafe practices. You might not notice the difference right away, but issues like leaks, structural instability, or poor electrical wiring can appear months later after you’ve already parted ways.
The bottom line: what you save upfront, you might have to spend later fixing mistakes — or worse, dealing with legal or insurance headaches. All that just for a new kitchen? No way…
Why Remodeling With a Licensed Contractor Is Far More Worth It
When you hire a licensed and insured remodeling company, you’re not just hiring someone with a tool box. You’re investing in:
1. Safety and Compliance
Every nail, beam, and fixture meets Orland Park’s strict building codes. That means fewer surprises, smoother inspections, and a home that’s built to last.
2. Protection and Peace of Mind
Insurance ensures that accidents don’t become your responsibility. You can relax knowing your home, family, and finances are covered.
3. Accountability and Transparency
Licensed contractors operate legally, follow ethical business practices, and maintain proper contracts. If something isn’t right, they’re bound to fix it.
4. Higher-Quality Craftsmanship
Licensed remodelers employ skilled professionals who take pride in their work. From framing to finishes, you get durability and design that stand the test of time.
5. Long-Term Value
Remodels done by licensed contractors add to your property value. If you ever sell, you can confidently show permits, warranties, and compliance documents — a major selling point in competitive areas like Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and Burr Ridge.
Real Example: Orland Park Homeowners Who Chose the Right Way
One Orland Park family recently planned a kitchen remodel. They received two quotes:
- An unlicensed contractor offering a cheap bid. But no permits, cash-only.
- A licensed, insured remodeling company that was about 25% higher.
They chose the licensed contractor — and here’s what happened:
- The project included permits and city inspections at each phase.
- The team caught an outdated electrical setup early and corrected it.
- The remodel passed all inspections, increased the home’s value, and came with a one-year workmanship warranty.
Months later, the homeowners said, “We couldn’t be happier. The peace of mind was worth every dollar.”
That’s the difference between a remodel and a remodel done right.
How To Tell If A Remodeling Contractor Is Licensed And Insured
Before signing any remodeling contract, make sure your contractor provides:
- A valid license number (verify it with the Village of Orland Park)
- Proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance
- A written estimate and contract outlining materials, costs, and timelines
- References or photos of recent work in the area
They’ll usually make this known on their website. But if a contractor hesitates to show proof, that’s your sign to walk away.
Start Your Remodel With A Licensed And Insured Contractor
Remodeling your home is about more than new cabinets or updated flooring — it’s about turning your home into the one you’ve always dreamed of. And if you can trust your home with the right people, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show (and new remodel).
Choosing a licensed and insured contractor in Orland Park, Tinley Park, or Mokena means choosing safety, quality, and peace of mind. It’s a higher investment upfront, but that investment saves you from stress, financial risk, and disappointment down the line.
At R Brand, we’re proud to be fully licensed, insured, and trusted by hundreds of homeowners since our establishment in 2010. For the last 15 years, we’ve been transforming homes all across Illinois. Get your dream remodel without the stress with R Brand.