Home repair contractors must be registered with City
Homeowners should check before approving work
MELISSA (February 25, 2021) Homeowners facing mechanical, electrical, or plumbing repairs as a result of the area’s recent sustained freezing temperatures are reminded that any contractors, whether individuals or companies, hired to work on these repairs must be registered with the City of Melissa.
While the customary fees for permits that allow for those repairs to be completed have been suspended for several weeks, a permit must still be obtained from the City before work begins.
“Our Code of Ordinances requires both a permit for repairs and licensing of contractors for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs,” says City Manager Jason Little. “Homeowners can become highly anxious when faced with broken water pipes and the damage these can have on their homes. That anxiety can cause them to make rash decisions, like hiring the first person who shows up at their home. That’s generally a decision they would not make under less stressful situations.”
To help eliminate the unscrupulous practice of dishonest people taking advantage of distraught homeowners, the City advises all homeowners that no contractor should be hired for mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work who cannot show proof of registration with the City. Contractor registration includes a copy of the of the responsible party’s driver's license, a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance policy, and a copy of the appropriate Master licenses. These documents are maintained at City Hall and can be accessed on this database: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=43
In addition, permits for the work must be applied for and obtained before any work is done. Permitting is not limited to contractors, though, as homeowners who decide to complete any repairs on their own must also obtain a permit.
Permit requests, along with all of the appropriate information related to residential repairs and inspections, are available electronically at Residential Permits | Melissa, TX (cityofmelissa.com).
“Critically important is for homeowners to ensure that they are dealing with an individual or company that is above board,” added Little. “There are already too many horror stories circulating of people being taken advantage of. We want to do our part to prevent a financial tragedy from piling on top of everything else.”
Residents should also check the Better Business Bureau, ask for references, obtain written contracts, and conduct other due diligence before agreeing to repairs. A City registration does not necessarily guarantee any level of quality work.