Hiring a contractor in Virginia: check, red flags, complaints

Red flags when hiring

• A job bigger than their license class allows. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 (opens in a new tab))
• Not found in DPOR License Lookup, or has disciplinary actions. (source: Virginia DPOR License Lookup (opens in a new tab))

Full checklist: how to check a contractor before you hire

Penalties

• Contracting without a license or the right class is a Class 1 misdemeanor, plus fines of up to $500 for each day of violation. (source: Code of Virginia 54.1-1103 (opens in a new tab))

Recovery Fund

• You need a Virginia court judgment against a licensed contractor first. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
• Claims are capped at $30,000 each and $100,000 per contractor every two years. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))
• Filing a claim does not guarantee payment. (source: Virginia DPOR: Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund (opens in a new tab))