FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on hiring trades in Georgia. For your exact address, confirm permit rules with your local building department.
The short answers
The hiring guides go deeper on vetting, permits, estimates, and contracts. The city pages answer the questions locals ask most.
Which home trades require a state license in Georgia?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC (conditioned air), low-voltage, and utility contractors are licensed through the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board. Residential and general contractors are licensed for projects over $2,500. Roofers, painters, landscapers, and handymen are not state-licensed.
How do I check a contractor's license in Georgia?
Search the Georgia Secretary of State's licensing division by name or license number. The lookup is free, and it takes about a minute. If the license is missing or expired, move on to the next candidate.
Do I need a permit for a water heater replacement?
In most Georgia jurisdictions, yes. A water heater replacement typically requires a plumbing permit, plus a gas or electrical permit where applicable, and an inspection. Ask your plumber to pull it as part of the job.
Does electrical panel work require a permit?
Panel upgrades, service changes, and new circuits generally require an electrical permit under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code. Like-for-like replacement of a device on an existing circuit usually does not.
Do I need a permit for a roof replacement?
It depends on your jurisdiction. Some Georgia cities and counties require a permit for a full re-roof; others only when structural work is involved. Ask your roofer and confirm with your local building department.
Who pulls the permit, the homeowner or the contractor?
Licensed contractors pull permits for the work they perform. Homeowners can pull permits for work they do themselves on their own primary residence, but they cannot hire someone to do the work under a homeowner permit.
What insurance should a contractor carry?
At minimum, general liability insurance and workers' compensation for the crew. Ask for a current certificate of insurance before work begins and confirm the policy names the contractor's business.
How many estimates should I get?
For any project over a few hundred dollars, collect at least three written estimates. Compare scope first and price second, and make sure each estimate itemizes materials, labor, permits, and cleanup.
What should a written contract include?
The scope of work, materials, timeline, payment schedule, permit plan, warranty, and how change orders are handled. If it is not in writing, assume it will not happen.
How does HomeGuideGA choose which businesses to list?
We list real, verifiable businesses by name and city across the trades we cover. We do not publish reviews, ratings, or prices, and we do not take payments from businesses for placement. Always verify licenses, insurance, and references before hiring.
Does HomeGuideGA charge businesses to be listed?
No. Listing on HomeGuideGA is free for the businesses we publish. The directory exists to connect residents with local pros; there are no accounts, dashboards, or payments on this site.
How do I get connected with a listed pro?
Use the request form on a business profile and our team will pass your inquiry along. Every form on this site goes to the HomeGuideGA team, and we do not publish third-party phone numbers or emails.