How to Verify a Business Like Unidadservices.com

1. Check State Licensing and Registrations

This is the foundational step for any construction or design firm. Licenses are legally required to operate.

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• Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): This is the primary resource for verifying contractor and architect licenses in Florida.
  • Action: Go to the official Florida DBPR website (myfloridalicense.com). Use their license verification tool.
  • Search Parameters: Attempt to search by the company name (“Unidad Services” or “Unidadservices.com”) and by the founder’s name, “Javier Maldonado Cortes.” Look for specific license types such as Certified General Contractor, Building Contractor, or Registered Architect.
  • What to Look For: An active license status, any disciplinary actions, the date the license was issued (to cross-reference with claimed years of experience), and the name of the licensed entity.
• Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz): This state agency manages business entity registrations.
  • Action: Visit the Florida Department of State’s Division of Corporations website (sunbiz.org).
  • Search Parameters: Search for “Unidad Services” or any variations, and potentially the founder’s name, to see if a formal business entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation) is registered, when it was formed, and who its registered agent is.
  • What to Look For: An active status, the date of incorporation (important for checking consistency with “13+ years of experience”), and the names of the principals.

2. Scrutinize Public Reviews and Testimonials (Beyond Their Website)

The Trustpilot discrepancy on Unidadservices.com is a major red flag, necessitating a broader search for independent reviews.

• Third-Party Review Platforms:
  • Google Reviews: Search “Unidad Services Boca Raton” or “Unidadservices.com reviews” on Google. Look at their Google Business Profile (if one exists) for reviews.
  • Yelp, Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check these platforms for any listings, reviews, or complaints. The BBB is particularly important for checking complaint history and resolution.
  • Industry-Specific Platforms: For construction and design, check Houzz, Angi, and HomeAdvisor, even if they aren’t directly using these platforms for lead generation. Search for mentions of “Unidad Services” or “Javier Maldonado Cortes.”
• Social Media Presence:
  • LinkedIn: Search for “Javier Maldonado Cortes” and “Unidad Services.” Look for professional profiles, company pages, and employee listings. A robust LinkedIn presence with connections, endorsements, and project updates is a good sign.
  • Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest: For luxury design and construction, these are key visual platforms. Search for their business profiles. Look for recent activity, high-quality project photos (not stock images), engagement with followers, and tagged client posts.
• What to Look For: Consistency in reviews (both positive and negative), detailed feedback that sounds genuine (not generic), responses from the company, and evidence of active projects and client engagement.

3. Deep Dive into Project Portfolio and Client References

While a website can display beautiful images, it’s crucial to confirm the authenticity and scale of their claimed projects. Unidadservices.com Alternatives

• Request a Detailed Portfolio: Ask for a portfolio that includes specific project addresses (for drive-by viewing if local), project dates, and a description of the scope of work.
• Demand Client References: For high-value projects, a reputable firm should be willing to provide contact information for at least three recent past clients who are willing to speak about their experience.
  • Action: Contact these references directly.
  • Questions to Ask References:
    • Were you satisfied with the quality of work?
    • Was the project completed on time and within budget?
    • How was communication throughout the project?
    • How did they handle unexpected issues or changes?
    • Would you hire them again or recommend them?
• Verify “Top Firms in New York” Claim: If they claim to have worked for “top firms in New York,” ask for specific names of these firms and the nature of the collaboration. A legitimate company would be proud to share this, provided it’s not under NDA.

4. Background Checks and Due Diligence on Principals

It’s wise to research the individuals behind the company, especially the founder.

• Professional History: Use LinkedIn and public searches to verify Javier Maldonado Cortes’s professional background, previous companies, and any public recognition or industry affiliations.
• News and Media Searches: Conduct Google searches for “Javier Maldonado Cortes” and “Unidad Services” along with terms like “fraud,” “scam,” “lawsuit,” or “complaint” to uncover any negative press or legal issues.
• Court Records (if applicable): In some cases, for very large disputes, civil court records might be publicly accessible.

5. Review Contract Terms and Payment Structures

Before signing anything, meticulously review their contract and understand their payment terms.

• Detailed Contract: Ensure the contract is comprehensive, detailing scope of work, timelines, payment schedule, change order procedures, dispute resolution, and warranty information.
• Payment Schedule: Be wary of requests for large upfront payments (e.g., more than 10-20% for a large project) or demands for cash payments. Legitimate firms often have milestone-based payment schedules tied to completed work.
• Insurance: Verify they carry appropriate liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for copies of their certificates of insurance and verify them with the insurance provider.

By systematically applying these verification steps, potential clients can significantly reduce their risk and ensure they are engaging with a legitimate and transparent business, aligning with the ethical principles of honesty and clarity in all financial and professional dealings.

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