Utah homeowner's guide to verifying contractors
Helping Utah Homeowners Hire with Confidence
The Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) is committed to raising industry standards and protecting homeowners from underbidding, unfinished work, and unlicensed operations.
Hire with confidence. Protect your investment.
Not all contractors play by the rules. Some get licensed quickly, bid low, and leave homeowners with unfinished work and unexpected bills. This guide helps you do your homework before signing any contract.
🧠 What To Look For When Hiring a Contractor
Before signing any contract, make sure your contractor meets these essential criteria:
1. Active License
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Contractors must be licensed through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
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Check that the license is active, not expired or restricted.
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Confirm the contractor is licensed for the specific type of work (e.g., roofing, general contracting).
🔗Verify a Contractor's License via DOPL (Department of Occupational & Professional Licensing)
2. Valid Insurance
- Contractors should carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- This protects you from liability if someone is injured on your property or if damage occurs.
- Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the contractor and contact the provider to verify the policy is up to date.
🔗 Verify Workers’ Compensation Insurance via WCF
🔗 Search Insurance Licensees via Utah Insurance Department
3. Written Contract & Scope of Work
Always get a detailed contract that includes:
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Timeline
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Payment schedule
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Materials and warranties
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Cleanup responsibilities
4. References & Reviews
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Ask for recent references and check online reviews.
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Look for consistency in quality, communication, and follow-through.
Red Flags to Avoid
🚫 Extremely low bids compared to others
🚫 No written contract or vague terms
🚫 Requests for large upfront payments
🚫 Unwillingness to provide license or insurance documentation
🏠 Why Verification Matters
Before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit, take 10 minutes to verify who you’re hiring. This downloadable checklist walks you through the most important steps to protect your home, your money, and your peace of mind.
Report Suspected Contractor Non-Compliance
If you believe a contractor is operating without a valid license or failing to meet Utah’s Continuing Education requirements, you can file a formal complaint with the Utah Department of Professional Licensing (DoPL).
Complaints are confidential by law and help DoPL identify potential violations of Utah’s occupational and professional standards. DoPL does not provide legal representation or assist with financial disputes—if you’ve experienced monetary loss, please consult a personal attorney.
To submit a complaint, complete all sections of the form—even if a section doesn’t apply, simply write “N/A.”
📄 File a Complaint with DoPL
📞 Questions? Call (801) 530-6628 | ✉️ Email: [email protected]
🕗 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm MST (excluding holidays)
