CheckLicensed Blog
Guides and research on verifying contractors before you hire.
Page 31 of 44
October 2025 · 6 min read
A contractor who won't put the agreement in writing doesn't want a record of their commitments. Here's why a written contract is non-negotiable, what it must include, and what to do if work has already started without one.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Roofing fraud costs the insurance industry over $1 billion annually, with costs passed to homeowners through higher premiums. Here's how to recognize the specific patterns of roofing scams before you sign anything.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
HVAC scams exploit homeowner knowledge gaps about systems that are mostly hidden. Here are the specific patterns that consistently appear in state licensing board complaints and how to protect yourself.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Plumbing scams work because most problems are hidden behind walls and under floors. Here are the patterns that consistently appear in licensing board complaints and how to respond when a plumber diagnoses expensive problems.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Electrical fraud carries safety risks beyond the financial ones — faulty wiring causes approximately 46,700 home fires annually in the US. Here's how to recognize the specific patterns of electrical contractor scams.
Read more →October 2025 · 5 min read
When a license lookup shows something other than 'active,' the specific status matters. Here's what suspended, revoked, expired, inactive, and probation mean — and what each one tells you about the risk of hiring that contractor.
Read more →October 2025 · 5 min read
A contractor licensed in one state cannot automatically work in another. Here's how cross-state contractor licensing actually works, when it applies, and how to verify an out-of-state contractor's authorization quickly.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Filing a complaint with a state licensing board triggers a formal investigation that can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation. Here's the step-by-step process and what documentation you need.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Filing a complaint starts a formal regulatory process with a specific investigation timeline and range of outcomes. Here's what to expect, how long it takes, and why you should pursue civil remedies in parallel.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Licensing boards have real power over licensed contractors — but that power has limits many homeowners discover too late. Understanding what boards can and can't do helps you deploy the complaint strategically alongside other remedies.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Mediation resolves 70-80% of construction disputes submitted to it. It's faster and cheaper than litigation and often produces better outcomes. Here's how to use it effectively for contractor disputes.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Small claims court is specifically designed for disputes like contractor failures — no attorney needed, most states allow up to $10,000-20,000, and homeowners with good documentation win at high rates. Here's how to do it.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
A contractor bond is a financial guarantee that can compensate you when a contractor abandons a project or commits fraud — without having to sue them directly. Here's how the claim process works.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Suing an unlicensed contractor is harder than suing a licensed one — but in some states, the law is actually more favorable to homeowners. Here's your legal toolkit and how to choose the right strategy.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
A mechanic's lien can block your home sale and complicate refinancing — even if you paid your contractor everything you owed. Here's how liens work, how to find out if one has been filed, and your options for removal.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Withholding payment from a contractor is sometimes the right move — and sometimes it makes you the party in breach of contract. Here's when withholding is legally justified and what steps to take before stopping any payment.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Michigan requires flooring contractors to hold a Residential Builder or Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license from LARA for projects above $600. Learn how to verify a Michigan flooring contractor's license, what insurance to expect, and how to avoid unlicensed contractors.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Illinois has no statewide flooring contractor license, but Chicago requires a Home Repair License or General Contractor License for residential work above $1,000. Learn local verification steps, insurance requirements, and what hiring an unregistered contractor costs you.
Read more →October 2025 · 6 min read
Colorado has no statewide flooring contractor license, but Denver requires local registration for permit-required work. Learn what local requirements apply, how to verify a Colorado flooring contractor, and what insurance standards apply.
Read more →October 2025 · 7 min read
Nevada requires any contractor performing work above $1,000 to hold an NSCB license. Flooring contractors typically hold a Class C specialty license. Learn how to use the NSCB database, what bond and insurance to expect, and what the Residential Recovery Fund covers.
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