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

    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.

    Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Inspections

    Chimney Rock Township
    Green Hill Township

    Charles Lattimore

    Colfax Township
    Duncan Creek Township
    Golden Valley Township
    Logan Store Township

    Robin Sparks

    Camp Creek Township
    Gilkey Township
    Morgan Township
    Rutherfordton Township

    Shane Dotson

    Cool Springs Township
    High Shoals Township
    Sulphur Springs Township
    Union Township

    Jason Ruff

    Fire Inspections and Codes

    Fire Codes/Inspections
    (All Rutherford County
    except city limits of:
    Lake Lure, Forest City,
    Spindale, Rutherfordton)

    Eric Bradley
    Charles Lattimore
    Jason Ruff

    © 2008 Rutherford County Government, NC

    -----
    July 26th, 2008