The short version
- 01Look up the license number with your state board.
- 02Ask for proof of insurance.
- 03Make sure the permit is pulled under the contractor’s name.
- 04Get the scope and price in writing.
What a license tells you
A license shows the contractor met the state’s minimum requirements, which may include exams, experience, and insurance. It does not guarantee quality, but it does give you a record to check and a board to contact if something goes wrong.
How to verify a license
Ask for the license number and look it up on the state board’s website. Confirm the name matches the business on your contract and that the license covers the type of work.
- License number and class
- Active status and expiration
- Complaints or disciplinary actions
Insurance and bonding
General liability protects your property. Workers’ compensation protects you if a worker is hurt on your site. A bond gives you a path to recover money if the contractor does not finish.
Questions homeowners ask
Do handymen need a license?
It depends on the state and the size of the job. Many states require a license above a dollar threshold or for trade work like electrical and plumbing.
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About the author
Jacob Pro Project DeskEstimating and permitting team
The project desk scopes every Jacob Pro job before a crew is scheduled. The team writes these guides from the estimates, permit files, and closeout reports it handles every week, so homeowners can plan with the same questions our estimators ask.