State Of Virginia Contractor License

Pittsylvania County does not have a business license or bonding requirements for businesses that operate in Pittsylvania County, but there are still requirements for contractors doing projects worth more than $1,000.

In the State of Virginia, contractors doing work over $1,000 are required to hold a Virginia State Contractors License with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. There are three classifications of Contractor Licenses, with each

• Class C – Repairs, improvements, or other construction on a project worth more than $1,000 but less than $10,000
• Class B – Required when the total cost of a construction, repair, or other renovation project is more than $10,000 and less than $120,000
• Class A – Required for any single contract or project worth more than $120,000

An important clarification: a tradesman is not the same as a contractor. It is important for property owners to hire licensed contractors. To apply for a contractor license, visit the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s website. Contractors can also renew their licenses. If you want to verify that a contractor is licensed to perform the project you have in mind, you can look up a license here. 

What Happens if I Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?

When a property owner applies for a building permit, they are required to complete an affidavit saying who will complete the project. If the property owner is not completing the project themselves, the company or individual that they hire must be a licensed contractor. If a property owner says that they will complete the project themselves and then hires someone else, including a non-licensed contractor, that is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

A property owner is responsible for verifying that the contractor that they hire has the necessary contractor license. Having a licensed contractor is important for things like insurance coverage.