In an age where it’s easy to hire anyone with a shovel and a Facebook profile, North Carolina homeowners are increasingly turning to casual laborers for handyman and landscaping work. While the price tag might be appealing, the hidden costs of hiring uninsured or unverified workers can be devastating.

At SeaFoam-Greens, we believe in transparency, safety, and educating our community. So here’s what you need to know before handing your keys—or your yard—to just anyone.

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⚠️ Why Hiring Uninsured Workers is a Risk You Can’t Afford

1. You Could Be Liable for Injuries

North Carolina law holds homeowners potentially liable for injuries sustained by workers on their property. If an uninsured handyman or landscaper is injured while working at your home—even due to their own mistake—you could be on the hook for medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees.

Example: A casual worker falls off a ladder while cleaning your gutters. If they sue you and win, you could be forced to pay thousands out-of-pocket—especially if your homeowners insurance denies the claim.

2. Your Insurance Might Not Cover You

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover injuries to unlicensed or uninsured workers hired “under the table.” If there’s no formal contract or paper trail, you may be left entirely responsible for damages.

Hiring a friend-of-a-friend or someone from Facebook Marketplace might feel like helping a neighbor—but it might actually be putting your home, savings, and family at risk.

3. No Accountability for Damage or Poor Work

If something goes wrong—like a broken sprinkler line, damaged siding, or ruined plants—uninsured and unlicensed workers may simply disappear, leaving you with the mess and the bill.

4. No Legal Protections or Background Checks

Unlike legitimate, insured businesses, most casual workers found online are not background-checked, not bonded, and not accountable to any professional standards. If theft occurs or a serious issue arises, your options may be extremely limited.

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✅ The Smart Choice: Hire an Insured Local Business

Reputable small businesses like SeaFoam-Greens & others:

• Carry liability insurance and workers’ comp coverage.

• Provide written estimates and contracts.

• Maintain a track record of safety, professionalism, and accountability.

• Offer peace of mind that your property—and your family—are protected.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For:

• No business license or company name

• No written estimate or contract

• No insurance or unwillingness to show proof

• Only accepts cash payments

• Vague or non-verifiable references

👷 Protect Yourself. Protect Your Property.

Your home is likely your biggest investment—don’t jeopardize it to save a few bucks. Hiring uninsured workers is gambling with your future.