How to Hire a Contractor in Georgia
Get more than one written estimate, look up the license yourself on verify.sos.ga.gov, ask for a certificate of insurance, agree in writing who pulls the permit, and tie payments to finished stages of work rather than paying most of it up front.
Before you choose
- Describe the job the same way to each contractor so their estimates can be compared.
- Get written estimates that name the scope, materials, schedule and payment terms.
- Look up each license yourself with the Georgia Secretary of State.
- Ask for a certificate of insurance and for references from recent, similar jobs.
Before you sign
- The contract should name the same business that holds the license.
- Agree who pulls the building permit and schedules inspections. Permits are issued by your city or county.
- Tie payments to finished stages of work. Be wary of a large deposit before any work or materials are scheduled.
- Keep changes in writing, with their cost, before the work is done.
Using Georgia Home Contractors
A project request sent through this site goes to at most three contractors who have claimed their listing and serve your ZIP code; they contact you directly to quote. License details on listings are supplied by the contractor, so every check above still applies.
Sources
Sources last checked September 29, 2026. This guide summarises Georgia law as published; it is not legal advice. For a decision that matters, ask the Georgia Secretary of State's licensing division or a lawyer.