What You Need to Know About a Contractor License Number: Top 5 Considerations
When interviewing potential contractors and their references, a smart homeowner knows to ask whether a contractor is licensed. Finding out that a contractor is licensed is a good step towards learning more about them, but the discussion should not end there. If you’re seeking an experienced contractor to help you install a new roof, insulation, windows, siding, and more, here’s what you should know about their license!
What is a Contractor License Number? (and How To Verify Registration)
In most states, a contractor’s license number is a unique combo of letters and numbers that are specific to a contractor. It serves as proof that the contractor is competent to complete work and that they’re executing business legally. Here’s how to authenticate WI & MN contractor’s license numbers.
DLI License Lookup Links For Minnesota & Wisconsin
DLI is short for Department of Labor and Industry. The agency oversees the state’s construction codes, licensing, occupational safety and more.
MN: https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/lookup/licensing.aspx
WI: https://app.wi.gov/licensesearch
How Does A MN Contractor License Work?
Contractor licensing laws vary from state to state. In Minnesota, individuals cannot receive contractor licenses. Rather, licenses are issued to companies, and each company must choose an employee, often an owner, who will serve as the “qualifying person” or license holder. This individual is the one responsible for taking the mandatory test and completing continuing education requirements.
Limitations Of A General Contractor’s License
To put things in perspective, just because someone holds a valid driver’s license does not make them a safe driver. It simply means that at one point they passed their driver’s test and have not committed enough infractions to have their license revoked. The same logic applies to a contractor’s license. It simply notates that someone within the company you are working with has passed the exam and is keeping up with their continued education credits. It does not guarantee that the work they will perform is outstanding. In fact, shoddy work performed by the contractor does not directly result in the loss of their license, as state licensing agencies are not tasked with the responsibility of consumer protection.
Contractor Continuing Education Courses
In order to keep their contractor license number current, they are oftentimes required to attend continuing education courses. This allows contractors to stay up to date with new codes, ethical business practices, and safety requirements. These courses benefit consumers through higher quality job performances, fewer customer complaints, less potential for liability and increased job site efficiency.
Contractor License Requirements & Laws By State
Before undertaking a construction project with the help of a contractor, it’s to your benefit to understand what licensing requirements must be met by a contractor, rather than simply taking their word for it. States like Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, and Ohio do not require a state license for contractors. Other states leave issuing of contractor licenses to individual counties and contractors must get a license for each county. Still, others require licenses for only large-scale projects over a certain dollar amount.
Here’s Why This St. Louis Park, MN Homeowner Chose To Partner With Lindus Construction:
