General information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice.
After a hurricane, roofers and window installers are in high demand, and so are people who aren't licensed. Louisiana contractors are licensed by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Checking a license takes a few minutes and is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself. Here's what the license types mean, how to look one up, and the warning signs to watch for.
Louisiana license types
The LSLBC issues several kinds of licenses. The three you are most likely to see on a roofing, window or shutter job are:
- Commercial license. The LSLBC lists this for commercial projects with a value of $50,000 or more, including labor and materials. Commercial licenses carry classifications, such as roofing or glass and glazing, that describe the work the business is qualified for.
- Residential license. The LSLBC lists this for residential construction exceeding $50,000, including labor and materials, and for home improvement work on existing homes above that amount.
- Home improvement registration. The LSLBC lists this for remodeling, repair and similar work on existing homes with a project value of $7,500 or more.
Thresholds and classifications can change, so check the board's current definitions if you're unsure which license your project needs. Permits are separate from licensing and are issued by your parish or city.
Source: Types of Licenses, LSLBC.
How to look up a license
- Ask the contractor for their license or registration number and the exact name of the licensed business.
- Open the LSLBC contractor search. You can search by company name, license number, city, parish, type of work or qualifying party.
- Check that the business name matches your contract and that the license type and classifications fit your job (for example, roofing for a re-roof).
- Note the expiration date. The LSLBC notes that only currently licensed or registered contractors appear in its search results.
Every listing on this site shows the license details we matched from LSLBC public records, but licenses can change at any time. Always confirm on the board's website before you sign.
Source: Contractor Search, LSLBC.
Storm-chaser warning signs
Be cautious if a contractor:
- Knocks on your door right after a storm and pressures you to sign that day.
- Can't or won't give you a license number, or the license doesn't match the business name.
- Asks for a large payment upfront, or full payment before the work is done.
- Offers only a verbal agreement or a vague one-page estimate.
- Says they will "handle everything" with your insurance company and asks you to sign over your claim.
- Claims to be from the government or your insurance company. The Louisiana Attorney General warns that some con artists pose as government officials or insurance adjusters to get into your home, so verify credentials.
Deposits and payments
The Louisiana Attorney General's consumer tips for disaster victims advise against agreeing to a large down payment, and note that reputable contractors normally do not require down payments over 25% of the total price. Pay in stages as work is completed, never pay the full amount before the job is finished, and avoid paying in cash. Keep records of every payment.
Source: Consumer Tips for Natural Disaster Victims, Louisiana Attorney General.
Get it in writing
The Attorney General's tips also say to get multiple estimates and to get everything in writing. A good written contract includes:
- The business name, address and license number, matching the LSLBC record.
- An itemized scope of work, with the specific products and materials (for roofs, the roof covering and any FORTIFIED upgrades; for windows and shutters, the product and its test documentation).
- The total price and a payment schedule tied to completed work.
- Start and completion dates.
- Who obtains the permit and schedules inspections.
- Warranty terms for materials and workmanship.
- How changes will be handled. Any change should be written and initialed by both parties.
Make sure the bids you compare cover the same work, and photograph the contractor's credentials and vehicle, as the Attorney General suggests.
If something goes wrong
If a contractor takes your money and doesn't do the work, or you believe they're unlicensed, you can file a complaint with the LSLBC and report fraud to the Louisiana Attorney General. Keep copies of contracts, receipts, photos and messages.