No state license for general contractors. New Hampshire does not issue a statewide license for general contractors. Requirements, if any, are set locally—so always check the building department in your city or town before work begins.
But specialty trades are licensed. Electricians and plumbers (and certain mechanical trades) are licensed at the state level through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). If your project involves electrical or plumbing work, verify the contractor holds the appropriate, active trade license. You can look up licenses on OPLC’s site.
Insurance you should insist on.
- Workers’ compensation is required for any New Hampshire business with one or more employees (including part-time and family members). Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- General liability insurance isn’t mandated by the state for GCs, but it’s a smart homeowner safeguard—request proof.
Permits & inspections. Municipal permit rules vary. Confirm—in writing—who’s pulling permits and scheduling inspections (often the contractor). Work without required permits can derail refinancing or a sale.
Contracts & consumer protections.
- Get a detailed written contract (scope, specs, timeline, progress payments, change-order process, warranty, and cleanup).
- For larger residential projects (contracts over $5,000), state law requires contractors to include a disclosure about their right to cure alleged defects before you can sue. Make sure you receive that notice.
- If you signed a contract at your home after an in-person sales pitch, the FTC Cooling-Off Rulegenerally gives you 3 business days to cancel (some exceptions apply).
Mechanic’s liens: protect your title. New Hampshire law allows contractors and certain subs/suppliers to assert mechanic’s liens if they’re not paid. Use conditional/unconditional lien waivers tied to each payment to protect yourself. (Lien timelines are strict—commonly 120 days to perfect—so keep paperwork organized.)
Quick Checklist (save this)
- Verify local licensing/registration requirements with your town/city building department.
- Confirm applicable state trade licenses (electric/plumbing) via OPLC license lookup.
- Collect insurance certificates (workers’ comp + general liability).
- Use a written contract with clear scope, payment schedule, change-order rules, and required right-to-cure notice for $5,000+ residential jobs.
- Ensure permits/inspections are pulled and passed.
- Exchange lien waivers with each payment.
- If a salesperson signed you up at home, remember the 3-day cancellation window.
This article is general information, not legal advice. If your project is complex or a dispute arises, consider consulting a New Hampshire construction attorney.