CheckLicensed Blog
Guides and research on verifying contractors before you hire.
Page 1 of 45
July 2026 · 11 min read
Workers comp isn't just the contractor's problem — understanding why the law forces contractors to carry it reveals exactly what goes wrong when they don't, and which states pursue criminal charges for non-compliance.
Read more →July 2026 · 13 min read
What an honest pre-winter HVAC inspection actually includes, what it costs, when to schedule it, and how to verify a contractor's license before you let anyone into your mechanical room.
Read more →July 2026 · 9 min read
Home inspectors, building inspectors, and contractors are three different roles with different mandates — and confusing them costs homeowners before and after the inspection report. This guide explains who does what, why the same person can't inspect and fix the problem, and how to verify contractors once you have the report.
Read more →July 2026 · 9 min read
Fall is the optimal window to assess your roof before ice and snow test every weak point — and the peak season for storm-chasing contractor fraud. This guide covers what to inspect, the signs that mean replacement not repair, and how to verify any roofer before signing.
Read more →July 2026 · 7 min read
Whether your renovation needs a permit depends on what you're doing and where you live. This guide covers which renovation types almost always require permits, which rarely do, and how state permitting requirements differ — so you know what to ask your contractor before work starts.
Read more →July 2026 · 9 min read
Bond amounts vary from $2,000 in some states to $100,000 in others — and several states require no bond at all. This 50-state table shows exactly what your state requires so you know what a contractor's bond certificate actually means.
Read more →July 2026 · 12 min read
The only 50-state contractor licensing guide written for homeowners verifying a contractor, not contractors getting licensed. Covers license type, project threshold, where to verify, and whether public disciplinary history is available in every state.
Read more →July 2026 · 7 min read
When your contractor demands more money mid-project, the decisions you make in the next 48 hours determine how much leverage you keep. Here is the step-by-step response plan, including the mid-project license check most homeowners never think to run.
Read more →July 2026 · 7 min read
When your roof leaks or HVAC fails and the contractor and manufacturer are pointing at each other, here's how to determine which warranty applies — and who is legally responsible for fixing it.
Read more →July 2026 · 8 min read
Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and home additions each have realistic timelines — and specific mid-project signals that tell you whether your contractor is on schedule or quietly falling behind.
Read more →July 2026 · 7 min read
An unlicensed contractor can quote 10–20% less than a licensed one. On small jobs the savings are genuine. On everything else, the math reverses fast — here's how to run it before accepting any bid.
Read more →July 2026 · 6 min read
Concrete and asphalt driveways require different license classifications in most states — and a contractor licensed for one cannot legally do the other. Here is exactly what to verify before signing anything.
Read more →July 2026 · 10 min read
If a contractor gets hurt at your home and they're unlicensed, you may become their legal employer under the statutory employer doctrine. Learn exactly how this works, what states apply it, and how to verify a contractor's license before work starts.
Read more →July 2026 · 9 min read
Siding licensing varies significantly by state — some require a siding-specific specialty license, others accept a general contractor classification, and a few have no state requirement at all. Learn what to look for, how to verify a siding contractor's license, and why siding is a top target for storm-chaser fraud.
Read more →July 2026 · 9 min read
Tree removal sits in a regulatory gray zone — some states require a license, others require nothing at all statewide. Learn which states require a tree service license, the difference between an ISA certified arborist and a licensed contractor, and how to verify any tree company before signing.
Read more →July 2026 · 10 min read
Foundation repair costs $5,000–$35,000+ and Texas has zero licensing requirements for it. This guide covers which states require a foundation repair license, when a general contractor license isn't enough, why permits matter, and how to avoid the upsell scam that hits mid-job.
Read more →April 2026 · 8 min read
Organized fraud crews deploy within 48 hours of landfall and cost Americans over $10 billion annually. Learn how the hurricane contractor scam works from the inside — the deployment pattern, AOB traps, fake FEMA endorsements, and out-of-state license fraud — so you can stop it at every stage.
Read more →April 2026 · 7 min read
After Helene hit Buncombe County, 47 fraud cases and $2.3M in losses occurred in 30 days — nearly all with zero verification. This guide covers the exact mechanics of contractor verification after a storm: which database to use by state, what status codes mean, how to verify a bond, and when to check.
Read more →April 2026 · 6 min read
ADU projects run $50,000–$250,000 and are among the most fraud-prone categories in residential contracting. Learn what license an ADU contractor needs in California and other states, how to spot scams, and what to verify before signing.
Read more →April 2026 · 5 min read
Fence contractor licensing varies wildly by state — some require a specialty license like California's C-13, others require a general contractor license, and some leave it to cities and counties. Learn what your state requires and how to verify before you sign.
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