Get Quotes from Top Contractors in Mobile, AL

How to Verify a Professional's License in Mobile?

Before hiring a professional in Mobile, you must verify if the individual is licensed by the appropriate professional licensing board. There are several professional licensing boards in Mobile, and they include, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission, the Alabama Board for Engineers and Land Surveyors, and the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, which is responsible for licensing over 8000 contractors, including qualified contractors in Mobile. You can find out if a professional is licensed by the appropriate board by calling the professional board's official telephone number or using their online license verification tool. For example, the Board for General Contractors license roster search tool allows you to find a licensed contractor using the individual's license number or name. Similarly, the Board of Medical Examiners and Medical Licensure Commission's online license verification system also allows residents of Mobile to verify a medical professional's license using the individual's license number, first name, and last name, and the Board for Engineers and Land Surveyors' credential verification tool allows you to verify an engineering credential using either the individual's first name, last name, or company name.

In addition to verifying the professional's license, you must ensure that the individual obtains all the necessary permits for the job. For example, you need to obtain a building permit before carrying out a home improvement or construction work in Mobile. The Mobile Permitting and Inspections Division is responsible for issuing building permits for all construction and home improvement work in the city. All queries concerning building permits and project plans submissions can be directed to this division by calling (251) 208-7023.

Do Mobile Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

Neighborhood associations and homeowners associations in Mobile are not responsible for issuing building permits for home improvement or construction work. These types of associations are created by residents of the city to improve the quality of life of the people living in Mobile's various communities. Neighborhood associations and homeowners associations typically carry out this role by advocating for the community on a variety of issues including land use and zoning, public housing, development, and safety. For example, in March 2019, the Mobile City Council voted to give the Lainfair South Yester Oaks Homeowners Association and the Huffman Estates Homeowners Association a combined total of $7,500 to install surveillance systems in their neighborhood. The decision of the council came after several reports of burglaries in the neighborhood, as well as advocacy from the associations. In addition to advocating for their communities, neighborhood associations and homeowners associations also ensure that all buildings in the neighborhoods meet the highest construction standards. For example, the Oakridge West Homeowners Association mandatorily requires anyone that intends to carry out a home improvement or construction work in the neighborhood to submit their project plans and specifications to the association's Architectural Committee for approval. Residents of Mobile can find out the city services in their neighborhood, as well as the district that their neighborhood belongs to, by utilizing the city's location map.

How Do You File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Mobile?

Consumer complaints involving unfair and deceptive business practices can be filed with the Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General's Office. Residents of Mobile can file a complaint with the division online, or by calling (334) 242 - 7335. Note that the Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General's Office only attends to consumer complaints in the order in which they were received. When a complaint is received by the division, it is first assigned to a Consumer Specialist for review, and the name and contact information of the individual the complaint was assigned to is sent to the complainant via mail. The Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General's Office usually notifies the business about the complaint, and when the business responds to the complaint, the division will try to resolve the issue by scheduling a meeting between both parties. A complaint is resolved once the business admits its fault and is ready to accept the suggestions and recommendations of the division. Note that the Consumer Interest Division of the Alabama Attorney General's Office does not provide legal advice, interpretations, and opinions to complainants. Residents of Mobile who desire any of the aforementioned services can contact a qualified attorney. In addition to this, residents of Mobile should also understand that reporting a matter to the division does not guarantee that all that was lost to the business will be recovered. Residents that desire full compensation from businesses can file civil actions against these businesses. You can file matters involving a total of $6, 000 or less at the Mobile County Small Claims Court.

Lastly, you can report all complaints involving criminal offenses like identity theft and consumer fraud to the Mobile Police Department by calling (251) 208-7240.