Unlicensed Contractors in Nevada: What Homeowners Need to Know

By TerribleContractors.com – We Hold Bad Builders Accountable

 

Hiring a contractor without checking their license can turn into a financial and legal nightmare. If your contractor abandoned the project, performed substandard work, or caused property damage—and they weren’t licensed—you have rights under Nevada law.

 

At TerribleContractors.com, we specialize in helping Nevada homeowners take legal action against unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve hired (or been approached by) an unlicensed contractor in Nevada.

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What Is an Unlicensed Contractor?

An unlicensed contractor is any person or business that performs construction work requiring a Nevada contractor’s license—but does so without one.

 

In Nevada, a license is required for nearly all residential and commercial construction projects over $1,000, including:

• Remodels and additions

• Roofing, electrical, and plumbing

• Concrete, fencing, and painting

• Landscaping and pool construction

 

No license = no legal right to contract. And if things go wrong, you’re left unprotected—unless you take action.

 

Nevada Law on Unlicensed Contracting

⚖️ NRS 624.700 – It’s a Crime to Contract Without a License

 

Nevada law is clear: Contracting without a license is illegal. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 624.700:

• Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor

• Fines range from $1,000 to $10,000 per offense

• Repeat violations can become gross misdemeanors or felonies

• The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) can take civil and administrative action

 

The law also prohibits unlicensed contractors from collecting payment for any work performed illegally.

 

What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Contractor?

You may face major problems, such as:

• No bonding, no insurance, no oversight

• Unpermitted or unsafe construction

• No protection through the Nevada State Contractors Board

• No access to the Nevada Contractors Recovery Fund

• Potential fines or legal liability for using unlicensed labor

 

If the project fails, or someone is injured, you may be stuck holding the bag.

 

What You Can Do If You’ve Hired an Unlicensed Contractor

 

You’re not out of options. Nevada law gives homeowners several legal remedies:

 

1. File a Complaint with the NSCB

The Nevada State Contractors Board investigates illegal contracting and may:

• Impose fines

• Refer the contractor for criminal prosecution

• Prevent them from ever becoming licensed

 

2. Sue the Contractor in Civil Court

You may be able to recover:

• All money paid to the unlicensed contractor

• Damages for shoddy or dangerous work

• Costs of hiring a licensed contractor to fix it

• Attorney’s fees and court costs

 

3. Report Criminal Activity

In cases of fraud, theft, or deception, you can file a police report or contact the Nevada Attorney General. Unlicensed contracting often overlaps with criminal contractor fraud.

 

How TerribleContractors.com Can Help?

 

At TerribleContractors.com, our legal team has extensive experience dealing with illegal and unethical contractors. We help Nevada property owners:

• Investigate and document unlicensed work

• File official complaints with the NSCB

• Pursue civil litigation for financial recovery

• Defend against collections or threats from unlicensed contractors

• Coordinate with law enforcement when criminal activity is involved

 

We make sure unlicensed contractors don’t get away with it. Don’t Let an Unlicensed Contractor Take Advantage of You!

 

Unlicensed contractors count on homeowners not knowing their rights. At TerribleContractors.com, we make sure you’re protected—and we fight to get your money back.