Contractors are required to have landscape licenses in the state of Nevada, if a job is $1,000 or more or requires a building permit. Companies that do lawn maintenance service are usually not required to have a contracting license.
The following common landscape construction or installation services may require a licensed contractor:
- Installing rocks, sand or gravel
- Irrigation or drainage systems
- Planting trees, shrubs or other vegetation
- Laying sod or hydroseeding
Common Red Flags A Contractor may not be on the level when:
- You can’t verify the contractor’s name, address, telephone number or credentials.
- You can’t verify that the contractor is licensed, insured and/or bonded.
- The contractor won’t give you references.
- The contractor asks you to obtain the building permits.
- You are asked to put down a large down payment up front, or pay the entire price of the job before work is started.
Get A Written Contract These are things you should look for on your contract:
- Contractor’s license number classification
- Exact amount due from you under contract
- Date work will begin & number of days for completion
- Work to be performed & materials to be used
- The contract is signed & dated by both parties
- Have all change orders signed by both parties before the work begins
Contact the NSCB
- Check to see if a contractor is licensed and in good standing with the NSCB by either calling or going online
- Check for disciplinary actions
- Never pay with cash
- Ask for references before hiring any contractor
- Get several bids before hiring a licensed contractor
Residential Recovery Fund
When a homeowner has been damaged by a contractor and has done everything possible to get the job completed and/or recover the financial loss, there is a fund established by the Nevada Legislature that is designed to help -- the Residential Recovery Fund.
A homeowner may be able to recover actual damages up to $35,000 per claim.
Recovery Fund claim forms may be obtained on the NSCB website, or by calling either Board office in Henderson or Reno,NV.
(Note: The Residential Recovery Fund is for single-family residences only. Owners of Condos,Townhomes, apartments or Commercial Properties are not eligible.)