Who is responsible for verifying the proper licensing of a contractor?

The correct answer is that the homeowner holds the responsibility for verifying the proper licensing of a contractor. It is essential for homeowners to ensure that any contractor they hire has the necessary licenses and permits to perform the work legally. This responsibility protects the homeowner from potential issues that may arise if a contractor is unlicensed or does not meet the legal requirements for their specific type of business.

While contractors should indeed possess the required licenses, they may not always be forthcoming about their licensing status. Therefore, it falls upon the homeowner to do their due diligence, which may include checking licensing boards or regulatory agencies to confirm that the contractor is properly licensed for the work they are bidding on or performing. This step is a crucial part of the hiring process and helps safeguard the homeowner's investment in their property.

Other entities, such as the state or local government, do oversee contractor licensing standards and regulations, but ultimately, it is the homeowner who should verify that the contractor is licensed before engaging in any work.