Every spring in Las Vegas, the Nevada State Contractors Board puts out the same warning. Unlicensed contractors start canvassing neighborhoods across Henderson, Summerlin, and North Las Vegas, knocking on doors with low quotes and pressure to sign that day. Homeowners who hire them often end up with unfinished work, no recourse, and a project that no licensed contractor wants to touch.
This is not a rare problem. The NSCB handles complaints year-round, but filings spike every April through September when the scammers follow the warm weather. In Nevada, contracting without a valid license is a crime, and if you hire an unlicensed contractor, your contract is null and void by law. That means you have almost no legal protection if things go wrong.
This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step process for hiring a contractor in Las Vegas the right way. You’ll know exactly what to check, what must be in your contract, how much you should pay upfront, and the five red flags that should end any conversation immediately.
Before you call anyone else, our home remodeling services in Las Vegas page shows exactly what a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor looks like from day one. Or call (702) 420-2836 to get started.
Step 1 — Verify the License Before You Do Anything Else
Every contractor working in Nevada must hold a valid license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board. This is not optional. It is the law.
Before you have a single conversation about your project, go to www.nscb.nv.gov and search the contractor’s license number. Confirm the license is active, that the name on the license matches the name on the business card or bid, and that the license classification covers the type of work you need done. A roofing contractor cannot legally perform kitchen remodeling under a roofing license, and vice versa.
If there is any discrepancy between the address, phone number, or business name on the NSCB database and the information the contractor gave you, call the NSCB directly at 702-486-1100 before proceeding. Scammers frequently use the license numbers of legitimate companies to appear credible.
Step 2 — Confirm Insurance and Bonding
A licensed contractor should carry two types of coverage: general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Ask for certificates of insurance before any work begins and confirm they are current.
General liability protects your home if the contractor damages your property during the project. Workers compensation protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Without workers compensation coverage, you could be held financially responsible for a worker’s medical bills if they are hurt at your home.
Bonding is a separate protection. A bonded contractor has financial backing that covers you if the contractor fails to complete the work or violates the terms of your contract. Ask whether the contractor is bonded and confirm it through the NSCB license search, which shows bonding status alongside the license record.
Step 3 — Get 3 Written Quotes
Never hire the first contractor you call and never accept a verbal estimate. Get at least 3 written quotes for any project before making a decision.
Written quotes should break out labor and materials separately, not just give you a single total number. A quote that says “kitchen remodel, total $28,000” tells you nothing. A quote that says “demo $2,500, cabinets $9,000, countertops $4,500, tile $3,000, plumbing $2,000, electrical $1,800, labor $5,200” tells you everything you need to compare contractors fairly.
Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than the others. An unusually low bid almost always means the contractor is cutting corners on materials, planning to use unlicensed subcontractors, or intending to add costs once work begins. The BBB advises Las Vegas homeowners to treat any quote that seems too good to be true exactly that way.
Step 4 — Know What Must Be in Your Contract
In Nevada, every project over $1,000 requires a written contract. A legitimate contractor will have a professional contract ready before work begins. If a contractor wants to start work on a handshake, that is a serious red flag.
Your contract must include all of the following before you sign:
The contractor’s full legal name, business address, phone number, and Nevada license number. A detailed scope of work describing exactly what will be done, what materials will be used, and what brands or grades are specified. A project start date and estimated completion date. A payment schedule tied to project milestones, not arbitrary dates. A description of who is responsible for pulling permits. A warranty statement covering both materials and workmanship. A process for handling changes or additions to the original scope.
If any of these items are missing from the contract, ask for them in writing before you sign. A contractor who resists putting details in writing is showing you exactly how the project will go.
Step 5 — Understand Deposit Rules in Nevada
This is where Las Vegas homeowners get hurt most often. A contractor asks for a large upfront deposit, takes the money, and either disappears or never completes the work.
The Better Business Bureau advises paying no more than 25 percent of the total project cost before work begins. Some contractors will ask for more on larger projects with significant material costs, which can be reasonable if materials need to be ordered. In those cases, tie the additional payment to material delivery, not a calendar date.
Never pay 50 percent or more upfront under any circumstances. If a contractor insists on a large deposit before doing any work or ordering any materials, walk away. That is the single clearest red flag in the contractor hiring process according to the Nevada State Contractors Board.
Structure your remaining payments to milestone completions: a payment when demolition is complete, another when rough work passes inspection, another when materials are installed, and a final payment only after you have done a walkthrough and confirmed the work is finished to your satisfaction.
5 Red Flags That Should End the Conversation Immediately
1. They knocked on your door unsolicited
Legitimate contractors do not canvas neighborhoods looking for work. Door-to-door solicitation is the primary tactic used by unlicensed scammers in Las Vegas, particularly after windstorms or during peak summer season when homeowners are thinking about roofing and exterior work.
2. They ask for cash only
A professional contractor accepts checks, credit cards, or bank transfers and provides a receipt for every payment. Cash-only contractors leave you with no paper trail and no recourse.
3. They cannot provide a license number immediately
Any licensed Nevada contractor can give you their license number on the spot. If a contractor hesitates, says they will send it later, or gives you a number that does not match the NSCB database, stop the conversation.
4. They pressure you to decide the same day
Legitimate contractors understand that homeowners need time to get multiple quotes and review contracts. Any pressure to sign before you have had time to verify credentials and compare bids is a manipulation tactic. The NSCB’s executive officer has specifically warned Las Vegas homeowners not to feel rushed by contractors offering deals that expire immediately.
5. They offer to skip the permit
Any contractor who suggests skipping the permit to save time or money is either unlicensed, planning to do work that would not pass inspection, or both. Unpermitted work in Clark County can void your homeowner’s insurance, create problems when you sell, and leave you responsible for fixing code violations at your own expense.
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed by a Contractor in Las Vegas
If a contractor has taken your money and not completed the work, or has caused damage to your property, you have several options.
File a complaint with the Nevada State Contractors Board at nscb.nv.gov or by calling 702-486-1100. The NSCB can open a formal investigation and take action against the contractor’s license. If the contractor is unlicensed, the board can refer the case for criminal prosecution.
Ask about the Nevada Residential Recovery Fund. This fund compensates homeowners who have lost money to licensed contractors who failed to complete work or caused property damage. There are eligibility requirements, so contact the NSCB directly for guidance.
Contact the Nevada Bureau of Consumer Protection at (702) 486-3132 if you believe you have been defrauded. For disputes under $10,000, small claims court in Nevada is also an option. Filing fees run from $66 to $196 depending on the amount in dispute.
File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. While the BBB cannot force a resolution, a formal complaint creates a public record that helps other Las Vegas homeowners avoid the same contractor.
What a Legitimate Las Vegas Contractor Looks Like
A licensed contractor gives you their NSCB license number without being asked. They provide a written contract with every detail spelled out before work begins. They pull all required permits through Clark County and schedule inspections as part of the job. They have proof of liability insurance and workers compensation on file and can provide certificates immediately. They give you a realistic timeline and a payment schedule tied to milestones, not dates.
Seven Wells Construction serves homeowners across Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, and all of Clark County. Every project starts with a free written estimate, a detailed contract, and permits pulled before the first tool touches your home. Our bathroom renovation services in Las Vegas and kitchen remodeling services follow the same process every time: licensed, bonded, insured, and fully permitted from day one.
Get your free estimate today or call (702) 420-2836 to speak with someone directly.
FAQs
How do I verify a contractor’s license in Nevada?
Go to www.nscb.nv.gov and use the license search tool. Enter the contractor’s name or license number and confirm the license is active, the classification matches your project type, and the business information matches what the contractor gave you. You can also call the NSCB at 702-486-1100 to verify by phone.
What happens if I hire an unlicensed contractor in Nevada?
Your contract is null and void by law. You have almost no legal recourse if the contractor fails to complete the work, damages your property, or disappears with your deposit. You may also be personally liable for injuries that occur on your property if the contractor has no workers compensation insurance.
How much deposit should I pay a contractor upfront in Las Vegas?
The Better Business Bureau advises no more than 25 percent of the total project cost before work begins. On larger projects with significant material orders, additional advance payments tied to material delivery can be reasonable. Never pay 50 percent or more upfront under any circumstances.
What should be included in a contractor contract in Nevada?
Your contract must include the contractor’s license number, a detailed scope of work, project start and completion dates, a milestone-based payment schedule, permit responsibilities, material specifications, and a warranty statement. If any of these are missing, ask for them in writing before signing.
Can a contractor start work without a permit in Las Vegas?
No. Any project requiring a permit through Clark County must have that permit issued before work begins. Your contractor should pull the permit and provide you with the permit number before the first day of work. If a contractor starts without a permit, stop the work immediately.
What is the Nevada Residential Recovery Fund?
The Nevada Residential Recovery Fund compensates homeowners who have suffered financial losses due to a licensed contractor’s failure to complete work or causing property damage. Contact the Nevada State Contractors Board at 702-486-1100 to determine eligibility and start a claim.
How do I report a contractor scam in Las Vegas?
File a complaint with the Nevada State Contractors Board at nscb.nv.gov, contact the Nevada Bureau of Consumer Protection at (702) 486-3132, and file a report with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. For financial losses under $10,000, small claims court in Nevada is also available.
Ready to Work With a Contractor You Can Actually Trust?
You now know exactly what to look for, what to ask, and what should make you walk away. The right contractor will never resist any of those questions. They will welcome them.
Seven Wells Construction serves homeowners across Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Spring Valley, and all of Clark County. We’re licensed with the Nevada State Contractors Board, fully bonded and insured, and every project comes with a written contract, pulled permits, and a workmanship warranty.
Schedule your free consultation today or call (702) 420-2836 to talk through your project with someone who knows Las Vegas construction inside and out.
