North Carolina board warns homeowners to verify contractor licenses during hurricane season

By AI, Created 2:51 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors is urging residents to check licenses before hiring for storm-related repairs as hurricane season begins June 1. The board says the warning is meant to help homeowners avoid scams, incomplete work and financial loss.

Why it matters: - Hurricane season often triggers a rush of repair and home improvement work across North Carolina. - Unlicensed contractors and scam activity can leave homeowners with unsafe work, unpaid liens and financial losses. - The state says a simple license check can reduce the risk before any contract is signed or payment is made.

What happened: - The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors is reminding consumers to verify contractor credentials before hiring for construction, repair or home improvement projects. - The reminder comes as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. - The board is warning North Carolinians to be cautious before signing a contract, making a payment or allowing work to begin. - Anna Baird Choi, executive director and general counsel at the NCLBGC, said verifying a valid North Carolina general contractor license is an important safeguard.

The details: - In North Carolina, any project quoted at $40,000 or more requires a valid North Carolina general contractor’s license. - Licensed general contractors must meet state examination, financial responsibility and continuing education requirements. - Projects under $40,000 do not require a license, but the board says hiring a licensed contractor can still offer added security. - The NCLBGC does not recognize licenses issued by other states or countries. - Homeowners can verify a contractor through the NCLBGC website at more information or by calling (919) 571-4183. - The board warns consumers to be wary of door-to-door repair solicitations and requests for cash deposits or cash payments. - Consumers should contact their insurance company for guidance before work begins. - The board advises against large upfront deposits or paying in full before work starts. - Written contracts should spell out the work, materials, payment schedule and timeline. - Licensed general contractors are required to list their license number on contracts. - Consumers should not pay for work before the scheduled stage of work is completed. - Extra work should not be paid for unless it has been submitted and approved in writing before the additional work begins. - Homeowners should request a Certificate of Insurance and verify that it is valid with the issuer. - Before final payment, homeowners should confirm that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid to reduce the risk of liens. - Consumers should check with local building inspections and permitting offices to see whether permits are required and confirm the contractor has obtained them before construction starts. - Suspected contractor scams should be reported to local law enforcement. - Suspected price gouging can be reported to the North Carolina Attorney General’s office at file a complaint or by calling toll free at (877) 5-NO-SCAM or (877) 566-7226. - The NCLBGC issues licenses to about 30,000 general contractors in North Carolina. - More information is available at the board’s website or by calling (919) 571-4183.

Between the lines: - NOAA expects this Atlantic hurricane season to be below normal, with a 55% chance of a below-normal season. - NOAA projects 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 that could become hurricanes. - The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, with peak activity typically from August through October. - NOAA National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said uncertainty remains in how each season will unfold, and that one storm can still make for a very bad season. - The board’s guidance reflects a common post-storm pattern: urgent demand can make homeowners more vulnerable to bad actors.

What’s next: - North Carolinians are being urged to check contractor credentials before storm-related work begins. - Residents facing damage or repair offers can use the NCLBGC verification tools, contact their insurer and report suspected fraud or price gouging if needed. - Anna Baird Choi is available for on-camera or phone interviews on the topic.

The bottom line: - Before any hurricane-related repair work starts, verify the contractor, the license, the insurance and the contract.