Maintenance Committee

Thanks to David Michaelson (former Lakeport resident and Maintenance Committee chair, for permission to use this edited article from Michaelson Roofing Improvements blog)

Why Verifying a Contractor’s License Could Save You Thousands

It’s one of the most important steps homeowners forget—and one of the easiest to do. Before you let someone work on your roof, siding, windows, or gutters, take 60 seconds and check their license.

Why? Because hiring an unlicensed contractor doesn’t just put your home at risk—it could cost you thousands in lost money, repairs, or damage if something goes wrong. Too many homeowners get burned by contractors who never should have been on the job site in the first place.

What Can Go Wrong with an Unlicensed Contractor? Let’s say a contractor gives you a low bid and asks for a deposit. They tear off half your roof, then disappear. Or worse—they finish the job, but it fails inspection, and now you’re stuck paying someone else to fix it. If they’re unlicensed, you have no recourse with the state. You can’t file a complaint. You can’t access the contractor recovery fund. You’re on your own.

The Safety Net You Didn’t Know Existed: Virginia has a Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund ( https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors_Recovery_Fund ) that can reimburse homeowners up to $30,000 if they “have incurred losses through the improper or dishonest conduct of a licensed residential contractor.” The keyword here? Note the one underlined: “licensed.” If your contractor isn’t properly registered, that protection disappears.

Licensing Isn’t Just About Legality—It’s About Standards: A licensed contractor must:

• Carry liability and workers’ comp insurance
• Pass exams or demonstrate knowledge
• Follow building codes and state regulations
• Be accountable to a regulatory board

It’s proof that they are not just someone with a truck and a business card.

You should be able to find all relevant licenses easily right on a contractor’s website. They should be licensed, bonded, and insured in Virginia and should provide documentation in every proposal (or certainly upon request). Contracts should also include language that protects you and ensures the contractor follows all local building codes, manufacturer installation standards, and Lakeport Cluster and Reston Association standards.

No Final Payment Until the Job Is Verified: You should never make full payment until you receive verification that shows everything that was installed and how it was done. The contractor should be willing to walk the job with you, answer all your questions, and close out the project only when you’re completely satisfied.

In summary, before signing anything, ask yourself:

• Have I seen proof of licensing and insurance?
• Do I know whom to call if something goes wrong?
• Is my contractor offering documentation of the job?
• What happens if they leave before finishing?

If you can’t answer those questions confidently, it’s time to stop and verify. Protect your home and your investment and don’t get taken advantage of. A contractor’s license is your first line of defense against fraud, shoddy work, and financial risk.