The Reason for Building Codes: Joe the Plumber

The talk of Joe the Plumber in the last Presidential debate was at least a little admirable.  I think it was a wise choice for both candidates to try and associate their economic plans with the working class individuals. They should have at least found an individual that was truly a professional wanting to buy a business,

Joe The Plumber has come out right and said that neither he nor the person who owns the company he works for are licensed plumbers. This is a a joke. According to Joe we have a business making in excess of $250,000 per year that is not licensed. I now see why the majority of jurisdictions around the country are adopting building codes.

I am not saying that Joe or his employer do not do a good job. I am sure they do their best. However, if they are not licensed I worry about the recourse a consumer would have if problems were to arise.  Doing enough volume to be worth $250,000 is a large customer base for this company.

Licensing of plumbers, electricians and other building contractors is a way to hold them accountable for any unsavory work they may perform. It also gives the end consumer a way to recoup any damages they may be entitled to because of unsatisfactory work. Normally it also protects the contractor by having his/her work inspected prior to being released to the consumer.

Licensing also aids in keeping liability insurance to a minimum for contractors as most licensed individuals are considered professionals and know how to properly do the work.  Joe The plumber should not be working as a plumber in my opinion without a license unless he is doing his own work. His employer should not be employing Joe since he is not licensed. His employer should not even have a business he could sell.

Show you are a professional instead of worrying about the taxes you must pay.  We can all do the math and know that on $250,000 you will not be paying an increased tax even if Senator Obama is elected.

A plumber in the business knows that you will be deducting mileage, contract labor and materials used throughout the year just to name a few of the exemptions you would be entitled to. This alone would surely bring you below the $250,000 to keep you in a lower tax bracket. If not then you could add in the cost of license, state taxes, utilities, office supplies and insurance.

I do not know why the candidates both latched onto Joe as they did.  Joe is not representative of the thousands of independant contractors in this country who are facing real problems. Problems with insurance and taxes that are real. Lets hear what the candidates say to these folks that have worked hard and been honest and stood up to their duty to do this , all things, legal from licenses to insurance to taxes.