Unlicensed Contractor
An unlicensed contractor is a person or business performing contracting work without the license required by their state. Hiring an unlicensed contractor is illegal in most states for work above a certain value threshold (e.g., $500 in California).
- Work may not meet building code
- Cannot pull permits (or permits pulled under a licensed person's name without authorization)
- Homeowner's insurance may deny claims related to the work
- No recourse through state licensing board
- Potential liability if a worker is injured on your property
Always verify license status before signing a contract or writing a deposit check.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find out if a contractor is licensed?
- Search by name or license number on ContractorVetted. If you can't find them, ask for their license number and verify directly with your state board before proceeding.
- What should I do if I discover I hired an unlicensed contractor?
- Stop work, document everything, and consult your state contractor licensing board about complaint options. You may also have remedies through small claims court.
Verify a contractor's license now