Hiring a contractor can feel overwhelming, especially when homeowners are unfamiliar with construction standards, licensing requirements, or consumer protections. This resource hub is designed to provide clear, reliable guidance to help homeowners across Northwest North Carolina and surrounding areas make informed decisions.
Whether you are planning a project, verifying a contractor, or dealing with an unresolved issue, the information below offers trusted resources, official contacts, and practical steps to protect your home investment.
Before You Hire a Contractor
Taking a few simple steps before hiring can prevent many common problems.
Verify Credentials
Homeowners should always confirm:
• Contractor licensing when required
• Active liability insurance
• Workers compensation coverage
• Local references and previous work history
Ask Important Questions
Before starting any project, homeowners should ask:
• Will permits be required?
• Who will perform the work?
• What warranty is provided?
• How will changes be handled?
Clear answers help prevent misunderstandings later.
Understand Written Contracts
A proper contract should include:
• Detailed scope of work
• Payment schedule
• Project timeline
• Warranty information
Avoid agreements that are vague or incomplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all contractors need licenses in North Carolina?
Not all projects require licensing, but larger construction work typically does. Homeowners should verify requirements based on project type and cost. For NC the law says:
The Threshold: In North Carolina, a licensed general contractor is required for any construction, repair, or improvement project that costs $40,000.00 or more. This requirement (N.C.G.S. 87-1) applies to anyone contracting or managing projects for another person or entity. Work under this threshold generally does not require a license, though individual specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) often require specialized licensing regardless of project cost.
Definition of Contractor: Anyone who bids on, constructs, or supervises construction of projects over this amount must be licensed.
Project Types: This law covers new construction, alterations, repairs, grading, or improvements to buildings, highways, and public utilities.
License Limitations:
Limited: Projects up to $750,000.00
Intermediate: Projects up to $1,500,000.00
Unlimited: No project value limit.
Exceptions to Licensing Law
Owner-Contractor: Property owners may act as their own contractor without a license if they are building a home for their own occupancy.
Small Jobs: Projects with a total cost below $40,000.00 and not within a specialized trade category (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
Specific Structures: Certain industrial, utility, or specific equipment installations.
Consequences of Unlicensed Work
Operating without a license for projects over
in North Carolina can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, including an inability to enforce contracts or sue for unpaid work.
What insurance should contractors carry?
Most reputable contractors maintain general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage to protect homeowners from risk. This can be verified by having the contractor issue a certificate of insurance (COI) from their insurance provider directly to you via Email. This certificate should have you listed on there as a named insured. Once you get this call the issuing insurance company to verify this policy is for the project size and scope of work.
How can homeowners verify a contractor?
Verification can be done through licensing boards, insurance documentation, references, and local inspection offices.
Confirm the contractors license number through official state databases.
For NC this can be done here: https://portal.nclbgc.org/public/search
For Virginia this can be done here: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup
For United State Veterans Affairs this can be done here: https://lgy.va.gov/lgyhub/home-builders
Confirm an electricians license number through official state databases.
For NC this can be done here: https://arls-public.ncbeec.org/public/search
For Virginia this can be done here: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup
Confirm an plumber or HVAC license number through official state databases.
For NC this can be done here: https://public.nclicensing.org/Public/Search
For Virginia this can be done here: https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup
What should homeowners do if problems occur?
Homeowners should document concerns, take pictures of the issues in very good detail from every angle, communicate with the contractor, and contact appropriate consumer protection agencies if necessary.
Even when homeowners take precautions, issues can sometimes arise. The following resources provide guidance for resolving disputes, reporting concerns, and finding professional assistance if needed.
Alleghany County NC & Surrounding Areas
If you’ve hired the wrong contractor, are dealing with poor workmanship, or suspect wrong doing of any kind, you are not alone. Unfortunately, contractor scams and unlicensed work are a growing problem across Northwest North Carolina. You are a homeowner not a contractor, you are not expected to know the in’s and out’s of the construction trade. However, if you think something is wrong it probably is. Especially, if who you hired can not easily explain what you are worried about. If at anytime you have question please reach out to us or to one of the links or number below for help.
This resource hub is designed to help homeowners quickly find the right help, legal support, and official complaint channels.
STEP 1: Report Contractor Issues (Official Government Agencies)
Local municipal building inspector offices
The primary agency regulating building permits in your area.
Reach out should you have any questions about your project. They are county employees and are paid to keep you safe from:
Unlicensed contractors
Poor workmanship
Contract violations
Misrepresentation of licensing
This is not always the case so, should this not bring satisfaction to you please reach out to us or one of the STATE level boards or agencies:
Alleghany County: https://alleghanycounty-nc.gov/index.php/planning-inspection/
Ashe County: https://www.ashecountygov.com/departments/building-inspections
Wilkes County: https://wilkescounty.net/171/Building-Inspections
Surry County: https://www.co.surry.nc.us/departments/(a_through_j)/inspections/index.php
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
The primary agency regulating licensed contractors in NC.
File complaints about:
Unlicensed contractors
Poor workmanship
Contract violations
Misrepresentation of licensing
You can file complaints here: https://www.nclbgc.org
The board investigates violations and may issue fines, revoke licenses, or refer criminal cases.
North Carolina Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Division
Handles complaints involving:
Contractor scams
Fraud
Payment disputes
Unfair business practices
The agency can investigate and pursue legal action against deceptive practices.
North Carolina Licensing Board for Electrical Contractors
For electrical work complaints: This includes licensed and unlicensed work. If electrical has been touched at all and you are worried please reach out to the licensing board. They can get you in touch with a real electrician and take action at the state level.
North Carolina Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors
For plumbing or HVAC work complaints: This includes licensed and unlicensed work. If plumbing systems or HVAC have been touched at all and you are worried please reach out to the licensing board. They can get you in touch with a real plumber or HVAC technician and take action at the state level.
STEP 2: Local Legal Help (Construction & Contract Disputes)
If you’ve suffered financial damage or need to pursue legal action, these local attorneys may help with contract disputes, construction issues, or civil litigation.
Nearby Local Attorneys
Regional Construction Attorneys
STEP 3: If You Were Financially Scammed
File a Complaint with the Better Business Bureau
Report Fraud to Local Law Enforcement
Contact:
Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office
336-372-4455
Wilkes County Sherriff’s office
Surry County Sherriff’s office
Contractor fraud may qualify as a criminal offense.
STEP 4: Verify Damages/Cost To Repair Using A Real Contractor.
Use these tools to protect yourself:
Find a valid licensed contractor:
https://www.nclbgc.org/license-search/
Ask for:
Certificate of insurance
Proof of a valid contractors license
Proof of valid business license
What you will need from the Contractor
An evaluation of effected area(s)
A written estimate to make the area(s) what you originally intended it to be
A willingness for the contractor to testify in court should this go to court
Local Support & Guidance
If you’re unsure where to start or want advice on avoiding contractor issues, it’s always wise to speak with experienced, licensed professionals before moving forward with major projects.
Should you need us we are willing to do an estimate to repair for the bad work you have received and go to court with you. This service does not fit under our free estimate section as this a a very long process. These are not our normal hourly charges as you have already been taken advantage of. We are here to help not pile on to an already bad situation.
In the end an investment into your home is a massive decision and should not be taken lightly. It is an exercise of trust and sometime construction companies do not see this as a trust, just another job. You are allowing strangers into your home doing work you do not know how to do. Some see this as an advantage that they can exploit. We see this as a place to allow learning. We keep our customers informed and include them in the processes involved. Weather you are looking for a contractor to start your project or one to repair something that has gone wrong, we are here. We can bring education, understanding, and help in a time of need. We don’t care if you hired us for a project or not please feel free to reach out to us at any time you have questions or concerns. This could save you thousands or just put your mind a ease. We are here to help. We live here with all of you and want our community to feel safe within their homes.