Jan 20, 20222 min read

Do I need to use a licensed contractor?

Updated: Jun 2

Thinking about getting work done on your home by a third party??? Wondering to yourself, "Do I need to use a licensed contractor?" As a Realtor, my job is to protect all of your interests. I have a huge network of contractors and handymen I work with. And I can tell you that USUALLY the answer YES. I do have a few videos on simple DIY jobs that you can do on your own also. But in this video, I interview Shawn Mitchell, CEO & President of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Northern Virginia, and also the current Chairperson of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, about how using a licensed contractor can SAVE you money in the long run usually.

It's not uncommon for a homeowner to hire a contractor for home projects and renovations. Whether it's a kitchen or bath remodel, finishing a basement, adding a deck, or even adding a bump out or new area to the home, these projects are big and usually require a significant amount of knowledge... i.e. NOT a Do-It-Yourself situation! Searching the internet, you can find all kinds of places, and most will be licensed. But, maybe you have a friend of a friend who can do it for cheap.

Or maybe you find a company that is hungry for work and will lower their rates. Should you trust them? The first thing to do is find out if that person or company is LICENSED in Virginia!

It’s important to hire a LICENSED contractor in the Commonwealth of Virginia! By doing so, not only does it mean they have passed certain skill and knowledge thresholds (in theory), it also entitles you, the consumer, to relief from the state in the event that the contractor doesn’t perform to your expectations. DPOR, Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, actually will help you settle claims against contractors who don't perform, and in a worse case scenario, they can actually reimburse you for losses up to $20,000! And on the DPOR website, you can look up any contractor and verify if they are licensed in the state of Virginia.