10/29/2026
Homeowners who hire unlicensed contractors are most often unaware of the protections a license provides them.
Too often we hear stories of folks being left with unfinished or poorly finished projects, unsafe electrical conditions and worse. Licensed contractors must have insurance protections, prove expertise history, and be accountable for their work. Do homeowners still get taken advantage of? Sure they do. But when that happens, the license board acts as an advocate for that homeowner. The Residential Recovery Fund may be available for restitution.
As the saying goes, don't trip over dollars to pick up pennies. Always check licenses before hiring anyone at your home. For most of us, our home is our biggest single lifetime investment.
https://app.nvcontractorsboard.com/Clients/NVSCB/Public/ContractorLicenseSearch/ContractorLicenseSearch.aspx
How do you feel concerning our system of investigating unlicensed contractors? In the latest statewide operation properties were used as decoys and 12 unlicensed contractors were caught with criminal cases now pending.
"The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) joined states from
across the nation in an undercover enforcement operation coordinated by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) between October 12-23, 2026," a statement released this week indicates.
"Nevada’s statewide operation focused on identifying unlicensed contractors and addressing illegal construction activities.
The NSCB’s enforcement efforts included four undercover operations where 12 unlicensed contractors unlawfully bid work requiring a contractor’s license, resulting in criminal cases being opened by NSCB.
The unlicensed contractors identified offered bids ranging
from $6,000 to $100,000 for a garage conversion, paint, drywall, plumbing, electrical, flooring, framing, HVAC and signage.
The properties used as decoys were a residential property and
commercial property.
The violations of NRS 624.700, leading to the filings for prosecution for Fraud and the issuance of several Administrative Citations for the alleged offenses.
Throughout the entirety of the enforcement operation, the NSCB conducted a total of 45 unannounced job site visits where 406
license details were verified. As a result, the NSCB opened 42 criminal cases and issued 24 Cease and Desist Orders, 15 Administrative citations and 12 violation letters.
Consumers who hire licensed contractors have four years from the start of their project to file a complaint with the Nevada State Contractors Board. The NSCB opens an investigation into the
complaint items, and if validated, may issue a Notice to Correct; failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against the licensee and eligibility for the consumer to file a claim for recovery of damages up to $40,000 from the Residential Recovery Fund.
All consumers are urged to always verify a contractor’s license with the Board through the Board’s website, mobile application, or by calling our office directly. Best practices include obtaining at least three bids for the scope of work to be completed and taking time to read and understand the contract terms before a contract is signed.
Nevada law limits the down payment for any residential
home improvement projects to no more than $1,000 or 10% of the aggregate contract value."