Contractor won't share license info w/o signed contract?

[Jay Garrison]

Hi,

I am in talks with a masonry company to do some major repairs to my chimney. I have been sent an estimate already, but when I asked for the contractor's license info (they were referred to me by my carpenter) I was told I wouldn't be able to get that info until I signed a contract. Is this Standard Operating Procedure? I'd like to do my due diligence about the company, especially since this work involves some major coin. Thanks!