North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors Launches Statewide Public Awareness Campaign Alongside National Efforts with NASCLA
"The NCLBGC is pleased to join with NASCLA and enforcement agencies from across the United States during the month of June in a coordinated effort to raise consumer awareness and shine a bright light on contractors who are not operating in full compliance with the law,” Frank Wiesner, Executive Director, NCLBGC explained. "The focus of the effort is to enhance consumer awareness and educate consumers on the importance of hiring licensed contractors. When a citizen hires an unlicensed contractor and gets scammed, they may be putting themselves at great financial risk,” he added.
“This nationwide effort is a key part of educating consumers on the importance of contractor licensing and the role it plays in ensuring consumer protection. In June, the NCLBGC’s investigative team identified and opened 53 investigations against unlicensed contractors who were allegedly found to be performing work that requires a general contractor's license in North Carolina,” Wiesner advised.
The NCLBGC reminds North Carolinians of the following:
- Any project quoted at $30,000 or more requires a valid NC general contractor's license.
- The NCLBGC does not recognize licenses issued by other states or countries. Citizens can verify if the contractor is properly licensed by 1) searching on the NCLBGC’s website at www.nclbgc.org; or 2) calling the NCLBGC at (800) 220-7185; or 3) downloading the Board’s free mobile app for Apple and Android devices by entering “NCLBGC” in the search feature.
- Enter into a written contract signed by all parties that specifies payment terms that are based on the progress of the project.
- Contact the local permitting office or inspections department to determine if permits are required to ensure building code compliance. If permits are required, confirm with the permit office that the contractor has acquired them before construction begins.
- Contact local law enforcement if you suspect you are being scammed by a contractor.
- Contact the NC Attorney General’s office if you suspect you are being price gouged by the contractor at https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/price-gouging/ or call toll-free within North Carolina at (877)-5-NO-SCAM or (877)-566-7226.