The 10 Best Las Vegas, NV General Contractors

You must hire a licensed contractor for any repair or maintenance work that is valued $1,000 or more, labor and materials combined, when a building permit is required and/or if the work significantly affects the health, safety and welfare of members of the general public.

The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) sets a high standard for contractor licensing. Applicants must have at least 4 years of proven, relevant experience. Academic training may be used to replace up to 3 years of experience. All licensed contractors must pass a business and law exam and a trade exam. A current financial statement must be submit to the Board to establish financial responsibility. All licensed contractors must prove they hold workers’ compensation and hold a bond in an amount determined by the Board. Applicants must pay an initial application processing fee of $300 and renew their license every two years for $600.

Licensed contractors in Nevada must have workers' compensation insurance. State law does not require contractors to carry general liability insurance, but it is highly recommended to only hire contractors who have an active policy. Request copies of these insurance certificates for your records prior to beginning any work on your property.

Generally, a building permit is required in Las Vegas for all new construction and additions to existing structures, all work that involves the opening of interior or exterior walls of the building structure, non-routine maintenance and to change an existing room, garage, patio, balcony, or the like into something new, such as a loft or habitable space. Other common projects that require a permit include accessory structures more than 200 square feet, complete re-roofings, decks more than 30 inches above grade, retaining walls or block walls more than 2 feet high, and stairways. If you are unsure if your project needs a permit, contact the Las Vegas Development Services Center at 702.229.6251.

The Las Vegas Development Services Center is responsible for issuing permits. You and your contractor should determine at the outset of your project who will acquire the necessary permits. The Development Services Center provides a variety of services to guide you through the permitting process. These include pre-review appointments with plan examiners to assist with projects during the design stage, in addition to a variety of methods for obtaining a building permit. Most permits require the submission of detailed plans for a formal plan review to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. Some permits can be acquired electronically. More details are available on the Las Vegas Development Services Center’s website.

Licensed contractors in Nevada must hold a surety bond to perform construction related work. Bonds range from $1,000 to $500,000. Homeowners may file claims against this bond in the event of faulty workmanship or breach of contract. Homeowners of single-family residences who have entered into a contract with a licensed residential contractor after October 1, 1999 and suffered actual damages may have access financial assistance the Nevada Residential Recovery Fund as a last resort.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the Nevada State Contractors Board; building permit data, gathered from the Las Vegas Building and Safety Department; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Las Vegas, Nevada. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Las Vegas. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.