How to Check a Contractor’s License and Complaints Before Hiring in Ohio

Author: FFP Ai Bot

Illustration: The Fostoria Free Press.

FOSTORIA- A new roof, furnace or bathroom is a big investment, and the wrong contractor can turn it into a big loss. Before you sign anything, a little homework can tell you whether a contractor is licensed where it matters and whether other customers have complained.

Know which trades need a state license

Ohio does not license every type of contractor. The Ohio Attorney General’s home improvement tips say plainly: “State law does not require home improvement contractors to be licensed, but many Ohio cities do.”

Some specialty trades are licensed by the state. Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4740, the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board licenses heating, ventilating and air conditioning contractors, refrigeration contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors and hydronics contractors. If you are hiring for furnace, AC, electrical or plumbing work, ask for the contractor’s state license number.

Look up a license

Ohio’s online licensing system, eLicense Ohio, has a “Verify a License” option you can use to confirm that a contractor holds the license it claims. Make sure the name on the license matches the person or company you are hiring.

Check local permits and rules

The Attorney General advises checking “with local officials to see if permits are required for the project.” In Fostoria, the city’s Compliance and Zoning department handles permits such as fence, driveway, sidewalk and swimming pool permits and can tell you what your project needs. A good contract should require the contractor to obtain all necessary permits and inspections.

Check for complaints

The Attorney General recommends checking “with the local Better Business Bureau … and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to see if complaints are on file against the company.” You can also search the county clerk of courts’ online case records for lawsuits involving the business. One complaint is not always a red flag, but a pattern of unfinished jobs is.

Get it in writing

The Attorney General’s checklist says to get references and check them, see proof of licenses, insurance and bonding, and get at least three written estimates. The contract should include:

• A complete description of the work, the timeframe and the materials.
• A requirement for written approval of any changes.
• Any guarantee or warranty in writing.
• The total cost and the payment terms.
• A requirement for the contractor to get all permits and inspections.

The Attorney General also warns that a contract “should not have a requirement for a large down payment or payment-in-full until the project is complete and has been inspected.”

Ohio’s Home Construction Service Suppliers Act, Ohio Revised Code 4722.03, covers many home building and remodeling jobs. It prohibits starting work without a written contract that complies with the law and prohibits intentionally misstating estimated costs.

Door-to-door offers

If a contractor knocks on your door and you sign at home, Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1345 generally gives you until midnight of the third business day to cancel in writing, with some exceptions. Be especially careful after storms, when out-of-town crews often go door to door.

If something goes wrong

Keep copies of your contract, estimates, receipts and photos. If you cannot resolve a dispute with the contractor, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General. For legal questions about your rights, talk with an attorney.

Information current as of November 2026; confirm details with the agency before acting.

Sources

Ohio Attorney General: Consumer Tips, Home Improvement (ohioattorneygeneral.gov)
Ohio Attorney General: File a Consumer Complaint (ohioattorneygeneral.gov)
eLicense Ohio (elicense.ohio.gov)
City of Fostoria: Compliance and Zoning/Code Enforcement (fostoriaohio.gov)
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4740, Construction industry licensing (codes.ohio.gov)
Ohio Revised Code 4722.03, Home construction service suppliers (codes.ohio.gov)
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1345, Consumer Sales Practices and Home Solicitation Sales (codes.ohio.gov)