Hiring guide
How to vet a contractor before you hire
The difference between a smooth project and a stressful one is usually decided before the first day of work. This guide walks through the checks that matter in Georgia, from licenses to references, in the order you should run them.
Start with the license
In Georgia, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and low-voltage contractors must hold state licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Residential and general contractors must be licensed for projects over $2,500 in combined labor and materials. Ask for the license number and verify it with the Georgia Secretary of State's licensing division before any work begins.
Roofers, painters, and other exempt trades
Roofers, painters, landscapers, and handymen are not licensed by the state. For those trades, shift your focus to insurance, local registration, and references. Some cities and counties impose their own requirements, so it is worth a quick call to your local government.
Confirm insurance
Every contractor you hire should carry liability insurance, and any crew working on your property should be covered by workers' compensation. Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm the policy is current. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks coverage, the claim can land on you.
Get three written estimates
Collect at least three written estimates for any project over a few hundred dollars. Compare scope first and price second. A low number that leaves out materials, permits, or disposal is not a bargain.
Ask for references and recent work
Ask each candidate for references from the last year and follow up. Ask about timeliness, cleanliness, communication, and whether the final price matched the estimate. If possible, look at a completed project in person.
Confirm the permit plan
For covered work, the contractor should pull the permit and schedule the inspection. Ask directly who handles permitting and what happens if the work fails inspection. A contractor who avoids permits is a red flag.
Put it in writing
A written contract should cover the scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty. Never rely on verbal promises. For larger projects, agree on how change orders will be handled before they come up.
Watch for red flags
Door-to-door crews after storms, pressure to sign the same day, cash-only terms, out-of-state plates, and no written contract are all reasons to walk away. The right contractor is comfortable with your questions.
Key takeaways
- Verify state licenses through the Georgia Secretary of State for licensed trades
- Confirm liability insurance and workers' compensation before work starts
- Compare written estimates by scope, not price alone
- Make sure the contractor plans to pull permits and schedule inspections
- Get the full agreement in writing, including the warranty