Find Certified Contractors in Washington, DC, Maryland

Most major home improvement projects (and even some smaller ones) require some sort of permit or license. While these regulations may seem like roadblocks at times, they're in place to keep both homeowners and contractors safe and help protect your investment.

• District of Columbia

Washington DC contractors are licensed through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), formerly part of DCRA. All general contractors, specialty contractors, and trade professionals must be licensed to work in the District.

How to Verify a License:

• Online: Use the DC Professional License Search (OPL Search Application)
• Scout Database: Search the Scout Portal for licensing, permitting, and compliance information
• By Phone: Contact DLCP at (202) 671-4500

What to Check:

• License number and current status
• Type of license (general contractor, specialty trade)
• Any violations or disciplinary actions

Before hiring, always request proof of insurance and bonding. DC contractors must also obtain a Basic Business License (BBL) to operate in the District.

Workers' Compensation: The District requires workers' compensation for all employers with at least one employee. Coverage must be obtained through private insurers or the assigned risk pool.

General Liability: General contractors in DC typically need a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Government contracts often require $2,000,000+, and the District may require additional coverage for public works projects.

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets all state-mandated workers' compensation requirements. You can also verify a license directly at the DC DCRA License Verification.

The DC metro area experiences four distinct seasons, so homeowners must be vigilant with home maintenance tasks to protect their investment. Water is one of a home's biggest enemies, so clean your gutters regularly. One cleaning in the spring and another in the fall should be sufficient to keep your gutters and downspouts clear so they can carry rain and snowmelt away from your home's foundation.

Be mindful of yard drainage problems that could lead to water intrusion in the basement or crawl space. Proper venting is vital to a healthy, long-lasting roof. Ideally, your roof will be equipped with a dual-vent system of ridge and soffit vents. This system circulates air through the attic space and prevents moisture accumulation, mold growth, and ice dams.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Washington Dc annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Washington Dc, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.