Hiring a Licensed General Contractor in North Carolina

When a general contractor license is required

In North Carolina, general contractors are licensed by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. A license is required for projects above a set cost threshold, and licenses carry a classification (such as building or residential) and a limitation that sets the size of projects the contractor may take on. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC work is licensed separately.

Check the license

Ask for the license number and look it up on the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors website. Confirm the name matches, the license is active, and the classification and limitation fit your project. AGCS holds North Carolina general contractor license NCLBGC #106996.

Ask about insurance

Ask for proof of liability insurance and, where required, workers' compensation. Your own homeowners insurer may have questions if an uninsured worker is injured on your property.

Get it in writing

• A detailed scope of work
• The price and how changes are handled
• A payment schedule tied to completed work
• Who obtains permits
• Warranty terms, if any, in writing

Never rely on verbal promises for anything that matters.

Permits

A licensed contractor should pull the required permits in their own name. Be wary of anyone who asks you to pull permits as the owner for their work. The county or city building department issues permits depending on where you live.

Payments and liens

Large up-front payments are a risk. Progress payments tied to completed work are common on larger projects. North Carolina has a lien agent system for many residential projects that helps protect homeowners from subcontractor and supplier liens. See mechanics liens for NC homeowners.

Red flags

• No license number, or one that doesn't match the company
• Pressure to sign today
• Cash-only or large up-front payments
• Offers to pay or waive your insurance deductible
• No local address

Questions to ask before you hire

A short conversation tells you a lot about a contractor. Ask how long the work will take to start, who will be on site, how often you'll get updates, and how changes are handled. Ask whether they will pull the permits and schedule inspections. Ask for a written estimate that lists the scope, not just a total. Pay attention to whether they answer clearly and put things in writing.

• Who will be on site each day?
• Will you pull the permits?
• How are changes handled and priced?
• How will you keep me updated?
• Can I get the scope in writing?

Compare estimates on equal terms

When you get more than one estimate, compare the scope line by line. Differences in price often come from differences in what is included: materials, allowances, site work, permits, cleanup or disposal. Ask each contractor to explain anything unclear. The lowest number is not always the best value if it leaves out work you'll need or relies on small allowances. A clear, complete scope is the best basis for a decision.

After the project

When the work is finished, make sure final inspections are complete and keep copies of permits, inspection records, the contract, change orders and any warranty documents. These records matter if you sell the home or need future work. Walk the project with your contractor before final payment and agree on any remaining items in writing. A good contractor will want you satisfied before the job is closed out.

Who does the work

Ask who will actually be on site. AGCS uses its own in-house crew for the core construction, plus specialty subcontractors for trades the job needs, all under one contract. See why in-house crews matter and licensed GC vs unlicensed project manager. Ready to talk? Request a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Free Estimate

Call (980) 888-3107 or send us the details of your project. Prompt response, seven days a week during posted hours.