Daniel Drage

The state of Idaho does not license general contractors working on private sector residential or commercial projects, however many local jurisdictions require licensing. Homeowners should check references, and perform due diligence when hiring a contractor.

The goal of the Idaho Division of Building Safety is to protect the public health, safety and welfare through the registration and regulation of those who provide contracting services in Idaho. Plumbing and electrical contractors must pass a trade exam to become licensed in Idaho.

General Contractors in Idaho are not required to carry general liability insurance. It is always a good practice to only hire contractors with active liability and workers' compensation insurance policies. Request a copy of each certificate for your records before the project starts.

Homeowners can file complaints with the Idaho Attorney General's office of Consumer protection. To file a complaint about a plumbing, electrical, or HVAC contractor a homeowner can file complaints with the Idaho Division of Building Safety.

Idaho has minimal regulations on contractor licensing so it is the consumer's responsibility to perform their due diligence and ask for client referrals before hiring. The Idaho State Police Department also maintains a Website so Idaho citizens can run their own criminal background check if they are so inclined.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license status, insurance status, verified work history, standing with local consumer interest groups, verified reviews from other BuildZoom users and self-reported feedback from the contractor.

When it comes to major construction work or even minor alterations to your home, hiring the wrong contractor could result in incomplete or defective work. You may even find yourself dealing with huge liability claims. BuildZoom does the homework for you and helps you hire the right contractor.

Before hiring a contractor in Idaho, be sure to get at least 3 detailed bids. Quality contractors will take the time to explain their budget proposal, and help guide you through the estimate process. Be wary of an abnormally low bid, they are not worth the risk. These underpriced projects often do not end well for the homeowner, choose a contractor you trust and can clearly communicate with. BuildZoom has made the bid collection process extremely simple (and free). Just click here to get started.