Working with Nevada Contractors

Before you begin your remodeling projects, you’ll need to know what the city and the state requires. It’s also beneficial to understand the licensing process when choosing a remodeling professional.

The Nevada State Contractors Board (www.nvcontractorsboard.com) provides a comprehensive booklet for homeowners to review at its website. Read “A Basic Consumer Overview of Contractors and Construction Contracts,” it provides information to assist consumers in dealing with contractors and the Nevada State Contractors Board. The information provided is for informational use and not intended as an instructional guide. Excerpts are provided below.

If you are considering a home construction, repair, remodel, addition, demolition, electrical, plumbing or air conditioning repair, landscaping or installing a new pool, you will need a contractor to do the work. In the state of Nevada, that contractor should have a proper contractor’s license for his specific trade.

The Contractors Board

The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) licenses and regulates contractors throughout the state of Nevada and is committed to promoting the integrity and professionalism of the contracting industry in Nevada. It has the responsibility to promote quality construction by Nevada licensed contractors through a regulatory licensing system designed to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public.

Contact the NSCB

As a consumer, you may contact the Nevada State Contractors Board to:

• Check and see if the contractor you are considering is licensed and in good standing with the proper classification and within the monetary limit for which you want to hire.
• Check for disciplinary actions taken against your future contractor.
• Get tips on making sure your rights are protected before you enter into a contract.
• File a complaint against a licensed contractor.
• File a complaint against an unlicensed contractor.
• Report unlicensed contracting activity.

To check a contractor’s license: Southern Nevada (702) 486-1100 You can also check to see if a contractor is licensed at the NSCB website at www.nscb.state.nv.us. To file a complaint against an unlicensed contractor, contact our Investigations Unit: Southern Nevada (702) 486-1160 You may file a complaint, by way of the NSCB website. Just go to Consumer Information and click the subheading for Consumer Complaints. To contact the Nevada State Contractors Board by mail or to visit their offices, the address is: 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200 Henderson, NV 89074

Governing Laws and Rules

The law and rules regulating the licensing and conduct of contractors in the state of Nevada are contained in the Nevada Revised Statutes 624 and in Nevada Administrative Code 624. The purpose of the law is to protect the public and to provide remedies for consumers when a licensed contractor has violated the law. All contractors are required to be licensed. Unlicensed contracting activity is illegal in Nevada and is investigated by the Nevada State Contractors Board and prosecuted by the local justice court.

Select a Professional, Reliable, Remodeling Contractor

Finding your qualified and professional remodeling contractor for home improvement projects doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following these guidelines, you will be better prepared to make an informed decision that best suits your remodeling needs.

Employ a home improvement contractor with an established business in your area. Local firms can be checked through references from past customers in your community or through your local better business bureau. In Nevada, all residential building contractors must be licensed by the state and through the Nevada State Contractors Board (www.nvcontractorsboard.com).

Ask the remodeling contractor for a current copy of his license. Check with our local Consumer Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints on record for the contractor. In Las Vegas, the Better Business Bureau can be reached at www.southernnevada.bbb.org. Ask to see a copy of the remodeling contractor’s certification of insurance for the name of his or her insurance agency to verify coverage. Most states require a contractor to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance. Make sure the contractor’s insurance coverage meets all the minimum requirements.