Preamble

The Nevada State Contractors Board reminds you to exercise your rights and responsibilities when making home improvements. As a Nevada homeowner, you have the following rights when working with contractors:

Rights When Working with Contractors

Hiring a Contractor

  • You have the right to hire only licensed contractors and to check the license through the Nevada State Contractors Board

  • You have the right to examine a contractor’s past work and to check references

  • You have the right to get at least three bids from licensed contractors before hiring a contractor

Project Payments

  • You have the right to make payments as work is completed

  • You have the right not to pay cash for home improvement projects

  • You have the right to withhold a final payment until the work agreed upon in the contract is completed

Project Paperwork

  • You have the right to require that the contract include one project price, which includes all labor and materials

  • You have the right to negotiate a clear contract that includes a written payment schedule and completion date

  • You have the right to review the contract and only sign it when you understand the terms

  • You have the right to require your contractor to obtain a building permit for your project

Consumer Responsibilities

As a consumer, you have these rights, but you also have the responsibility to properly plan and manage your project and insist on your rights

Homeowner’s Rights Checklist

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

  • Read the Home Improvement Bill of Rights

  • Read the “Consumer Checklist”

  • Read the “Ten Tips for Making Sure Your Contractor is on the Level”

Hiring

  • Hire only licensed contractors

  • Ask to see the contractor’s official NSCB pocket card

  • Get at least three written bids from licensed contractors

  • Verify that all bids are for the same scope of work

  • Check contractor’s status with the Nevada State Contractors Board

  • Ask for references and follow up by inspecting the contractor’s completed work

The Contract

  • Negotiate a clear and complete written contract

  • Insist on specific written descriptions

  • Look for: (not all of these items are required)

    • One price for the work to be done
    • Contractor’s license number and monetary limit
    • Specific descriptions of work to be done and materials to be used
    • Start and completion dates
    • An agreement that the contractor will obtain building permits
    • A payment schedule including the down payment amount
    • A “Notices to Owner” regarding lien laws and the Residential Recovery Fund
    • A notice that the contractor carries commercial general liability insurance and the carrier

  • Insist that all changes, additions and deletions to the contract are in writing

  • Create a job management file and keep the written contract, change orders, payment records and all other documents in it

Payments

  • Pay as work is completed according to the contract schedule

  • Don’t let payments get ahead of the work

  • Avoid cash payments

Subcontractors and Liens

  • Make a list of all subcontractors and check their licenses with the NCSB

  • Get lien releases signed by all subcontractors & material suppliers

  • Keep a record of all material deliveries, dates & progress of work