In Georgia, a contractor doing residential construction or remodeling work needs a state residential contractor license when the job's value, or the contractor's pay, is more than $2,500. Electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors need their own trade licenses. You can check any license for free on the Georgia Secretary of State's license lookup before you sign.

Who needs a Georgia residential contractor license?

Georgia's contractor licensing law, O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-41, requires a residential contractor license for work on homes when the total value of the work or the contractor's pay, whichever is higher, exceeds $2,500. There are two kinds:

• Residential-basic. Covers detached one- and two-family homes and one-family townhouses up to three stories, plus their accessory buildings, like detached garages.
• Residential-light commercial. Covers everything residential-basic does, plus some smaller multifamily and light commercial buildings.

A business can be licensed through a qualifying agent who holds the license on its behalf. Ask whose license covers your job.

Which trades are licensed separately?

Electrical, plumbing and conditioned air (HVAC) work falls under a different chapter of Georgia law, Chapter 43-14. Even a licensed residential contractor can't do that work unless they also hold the right trade license. On a remodel, it's normal for a general contractor to bring in licensed subs for those parts.

The Georgia Attorney General's consumer education office has pointed out that some specialty trades, like roofers, painters, drywall installers and handymen, don't have a separate state license. Many cities and counties have their own business license or permit rules, though, so check locally too.

What work is exempt?

A few exemptions come up often for homeowners:

• Small repairs. Someone can do repair work without a license if they tell you they're not licensed and the work doesn't affect the home's structural integrity.
• Owner-builders. You can act as your own contractor on a home you'll live in, but you have to personally provide direct supervision of the work not done by licensed contractors. If you sold an owner-built home within the prior 24 months, you can't use this exemption again without a license.
• Jobs at $2,500 or less. Below the threshold, a residential license isn't required, though trade licenses and permits still apply.

What happens if you hire someone who isn't licensed?

Georgia law says a contract with an unlicensed contractor for work that requires a license can't be enforced by the unlicensed contractor. They also don't get lien rights for that work.

That might sound like it only hurts the contractor, but it can still cause real trouble for you:

• Permits may not be issued, or inspections may fail.
• Your homeowners insurer may question unpermitted work after a loss.
• An unlicensed contractor may not carry insurance, so an injury or damage could land on you.
• Fixing bad work later usually costs more than doing it right.

How do you check a contractor's license?

Use the Georgia Secretary of State's online license lookup. Choose the Building & Contractors category, then Residential and General Contractors. Search by name or license number and confirm:

• The license is active, not expired, suspended or revoked.
• The name matches the person or company on your contract.
• The license type fits your job.

For electrical, plumbing or HVAC work, look up the trade contractor's license too.

The Secretary of State's business search is a separate tool. It shows whether the company is registered with the state, along with its registered agent and officers. If you find someone working without a required license, you can report them to the Secretary of State's licensing board online.

What else should you ask for?

• Proof of insurance. Licensed residential contractors have to carry general liability insurance. Ask for a certificate naming you as the certificate holder.
• Workers' compensation. Georgia requires it for businesses with three or more employees. If the contractor isn't covered, ask how injuries on your property would be handled.
• A written contract. It should list the scope of work, materials, price, payment schedule, start and finish dates, and who pulls permits.
• A reasonable deposit. The Attorney General's consumer office says never to pay for the whole project before work begins, and not to pay more than 25%, or at most one-third, as a down payment.
• References. Ask for three or four customers who had similar projects, and call them.
• Several written bids. Be skeptical of a bid that's far lower than the rest.

How do you handle payments during the job?

Tie payments to milestones you can see, like framing done or cabinets installed. Before you make the final payment, ask for lien waivers from the contractor and major suppliers. That way nobody who wasn't paid can file a lien on your home later. Keep copies of every check and receipt.

FAQ

When do you need a licensed contractor in Georgia?

When residential construction or remodeling work is worth more than $2,500, either in total value or in the contractor's pay, whichever is higher.

Do Georgia roofers need a state license?

The Attorney General's consumer office says roofers aren't required to be licensed by the state. Local business licenses and permits may still apply, so check with your city or county.

How do I verify a Georgia contractor's license?

Use the Georgia Secretary of State's online license lookup under Building & Contractors, then Residential and General Contractors.

Can I be my own contractor in Georgia?

Yes, on a home you'll live in, if you personally supervise the work. Selling an owner-built home within 24 months limits that option.

Next step

Before you sign a remodeling contract, check the license, insurance and permits yourself. If the project affects resale value or a pending sale, talk with a licensed local agent about which upgrades buyers in your area value most.

Sources: O.C.G.A. 43-41-2, definitions (Georgia Commons); O.C.G.A. 43-41-17, license requirement and exemptions (Georgia Commons); Georgia Consumer Protection, how can I verify a contractor is licensed and insured.

If you sign a Georgia roofing contract that will be paid from an insurance claim, you can cancel it until midnight of the fifth business day after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim isn't covered. The roofer can't collect payment before that window ends, except for emergency work you approved in writing.

How does the 5-day cancellation right work?

O.C.G.A. 10-1-393.12 applies to residential roofing contractors working on one- to four-family homes, when the job will be paid from a property insurance policy. Here's the core rule:

• You can cancel before midnight on the fifth business day after you get written notice from your insurer that all or any part of the claim isn't a covered loss.
• Cancel in writing, sent to the roofer's address listed in the contract.
• If you mail it, the cancellation counts as soon as it's in the mail, postage paid and properly addressed.
• No special wording is needed. Any written statement that you don't want to be bound works.

This right is on top of any other cancellation rights you have under state or federal law.

What does the roofer have to give you?

Before you sign, the roofer must give you:

• A boldface statement, at least 10-point type, explaining your right to cancel after a coverage denial.
• A completed "NOTICE OF CANCELLATION" form in duplicate, attached to the contract but easy to detach.

If the contract doesn't include these, that's a warning sign. Ask for them before you sign anything.

When can a roofer ask for money?

When insurance may pay for the job, the roofer can't require any payment until the five-day period has passed. There's one exception. If the roofer did emergency work, like tarping a hole, and you acknowledged in writing that it was needed to prevent damage, they can charge for that emergency work when it's done.

If you cancel, any contract terms requiring fees for anything other than emergency services can't be enforced against you.

Can a roofer handle your insurance claim?

No. Georgia law says a residential roofing contractor can't represent you or negotiate with your insurer on a roof claim, or offer or advertise to do so. Only a licensed public adjuster can do that for you.

The Attorney General's office adds a practical tip. Talk to your insurance company before you commit to repairs, or even before you let a roofer inspect your roof for damage.

What changed after a disaster in 2025?

Senate Bill 201 added protections for homeowners who hire contractors after a natural disaster. According to the Attorney General, starting July 1, 2025, if a contractor signs a contract within one year of a natural disaster to repair or mitigate disaster damage to your home, it's illegal for the contractor to:

• Fail to substantially start the work within one year of signing.
• Do all or part of the work in a substandard way.
• Have you assign your insurance proceeds to the contractor.
• Do the work in a way that doesn't meet state minimum codes or accredited industry standards.
• Ignore the same five-business-day cancellation right after an insurance denial, including the duplicate notice of cancellation form.

How do you spot a storm chaser?

The Attorney General's consumer office lists common warning signs after storms:

• Door-to-door offers right after a storm.
• Requests for full payment up front, or cash only.
• No written contract.
• Offers to pay or waive your insurance deductible, or other "no cost" deals. These can be signs of fraud and could get you tangled up in an insurance fraud case.

A legitimate roofer should be able to show you local references, a business license, general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and written manufacturer and labor warranties. Georgia doesn't license roofers at the state level, so those checks matter even more.

What should you do right after storm damage?

• Stay safe. Don't climb onto a damaged roof yourself.
• Prevent more damage. A tarp over an open area is reasonable, and your policy likely expects it. Keep the receipt.
• Document everything. Take photos of the roof, ceilings, attic and any water damage, with dates.
• Call your insurer first. Open the claim and ask how inspections work before you sign with any contractor.

What's a safe way to hire a roofer?

• Get written bids from at least three roofers.
• Check references and Better Business Bureau complaints.
• Keep the down payment to no more than one-third, with the final payment due only when the job is done.
• Get every promise, warranty and date in writing.

FAQ

Can I cancel a roofing contract in Georgia?

Yes, if it's paid from insurance. You can cancel until midnight of the fifth business day after your insurer tells you in writing that all or part of the claim isn't covered.

Can a Georgia roofer negotiate my insurance claim?

No. Only a licensed public adjuster can represent you on the claim. Roofers can't negotiate with your insurer for you.

Can a roofer offer to cover my deductible?

The Attorney General warns that offers to pay your deductible can be signs of fraud. Talk to your insurer before agreeing to anything like that.

Where do I report a roofing scam in Georgia?

Contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 404-651-8600 or 800-869-1123. Report suspected insurance fraud to the state insurance office at 404-656-2070 or 800-656-2298.

Next step

Before you sign with a roofer after a storm, call your insurer to open the claim and ask what they need. Then talk with a licensed local agent about your policy's roof coverage, deductible and any exclusions for older roofs.

Sources: O.C.G.A. 10-1-393.12, right to cancel roofing contracts (Georgia Commons); Georgia Attorney General, storms and fraud.