Quote from @Paul Gupta: Hi, in California, For jobs requiring a license, there was CSLB (contractor state licensing board) which would give either a General Contractor license, or specialty licenses by trade (~60 specialties such as concrete, welding tile, ) https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classific...My Q: does Maryland and DC area have similar requirements? 

I got my GC license a couple years ago so I could build houses myself as I was sick of dealing with contractors.I've hired plenty of contractors that were not licensed/insured and it went fine.

As for finding a contractor, asking local investors for recommendations is a great start.

I did not see that contractor here:http://www.phila.gov/li/Pages/FindLicensedProfessi...And I did not see that contractor here either:https://hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov/Always a good thing to see that the contractor has registered with the appropriate government department(s),

File a complaint against them with the state licensing agency 

So yeah, why not be licensed??????? 

This doesn't replace the need for a MSA that will capture additional clauses needed on a Contractor-SubContractor relationship, this is just a project specific form you would use in addition to the MSA (prepared by your Attorney):This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

On the other hand, a detailed quote with a higher total may offer more transparency and reduce the risk of surprises as the project progresses.I specialize in consulting services for situations like this, where I help clients evaluate contractor quotes, ensure transparency, and navigate the renovation process with confidence.

Quote from @Yvonne Wang: First time working with a contractor here.

Timely because January 31st is the deadline.Sending 1099-NEC (formerly 1099-MISC) to contractors and vendors2024 update: While not directly related to sending 1099-NEC forms to your contractors, you may have seen the panic on social media about every $600 electronic payment reported to the IRS under a new law.