DOING THE WORK

What is a licensed contractor?

The contractor is the company or individual who is doing a particular type of work for your project. Your contractors must be LICENSED in their respective field to work in North Carolina with one exception. You will not need a licensed builder if the TOTAL cost of your building project is less than $30,000. However, your other contractors will need to be licensed. All licensed contractors will need to show proof of workmen's compensation insurance!

What kinds of contractors will I need?

For mobile home permits:

Set-up Contractor (mobile home mover) or Homeowner*

Electrical Contractor or Homeowner*

Plumbing Contractor or Homeowner*

*Homeowner must be occupant and must live in home for 12 months after final inspection.

For building permits:

General Contractor or Homeowner*

Electrical Contractor or Homeowner*

Plumbing Contractor or Homeowner*

Mechanical Contractor or Homeowner*

Insulation Contractor or Homeowner*

Commercial with Sprinkler--must have engineer-design or a licensed design
professional

*Homeowner must be occupant and must retain ownership of home for 12 months after final inspection.

How do I know if my contractor is licensed in North Carolina?

You can check the contractors yourself just as we do by clicking on the type of contractor you wish to enquire about in the list below, then type in their name or license number. If they are licensed in North Carolina, they will be on this website.

General Contractors

If you have a licensed general contractor who is responsible for your project, the general contractor must purchase the permit.

Electrical Contractors

Plumbing Contractors

Mechanical Contractors (heating and air conditioning)

Sprinkler Systems

Commercial Hoods

Mobile Home Movers

Can I do the work myself?

Yes--you can do any of the work yourself, but you will be responsible for being sure your work meets NC State Code requirements. On additions, repairs, or new home construction, the homeowner may do all the required work as per NC State Code, but must retain ownership of the house for at least 12 months after completion. IF YOU ARE DOING ANY OF THE WORK AS HOMEOWNER CONTRACTOR, YOU MUST PURCHASE THE PERMIT YOURSELF AND SIGN IT IN THE OFFICE, ATTESTING TO THE FACT THAT YOU INDEED ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORK. You will also have to answer some questions and sign an affidavit.

Download: HOMEOWNER CONTRACTOR FORMS

Can I get help along the way?

Yes--you can call our office between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday to talk with an inspector. If they are all out on inspections, they can return your call. You can also e-mail any of our inspectors by clicking on their name in the list below.