How this guide is researched, sourced, and kept independent.
DC Contractors Guide is an independent consumer resource for Washington, DC homeowners and renters who are about to hire a contractor — for restoration, plumbing, roofing, electrical, HVAC, remodeling, or general handyman work. Our job is to explain how to vet, license-check, and contract safely in the District. We are the calm, government-literate friend who has read the DC Municipal Regulations so you do not have to.
We do not sell leads, run pay-to-play directories, accept payment from contractors, or rank any business. We do not host advertising disguised as recommendations. We never publish a "best contractor" list. Our independence is the product.
Authority on this site comes from citation, not from claims about our own expertise. We do not
invent credentials or quote anonymous "experts." Every regulatory statement links to its
primary source — a .gov page, a recognized standards body, or a consumer-protection
authority. The bodies we rely on most:
DC's licensing landscape changed on October 1, 2022, when the old DCRA split into the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and the Department of Buildings (DOB). Rules, fees, and bond amounts change. Every page carries a "Last reviewed" date. If you find something out of date or wrong, we want to fix it — facts here should always match the official record.
This site is informational only. It is not legal, financial, or professional advice, and it does not create any relationship between you and us. For a binding answer about your specific situation, consult the relevant DC agency or a licensed professional.
An independent consumer resource. Not affiliated with the District of Columbia government, DLCP, DOB, or any contractor. Informational only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed June 16, 2026. Reviewed against current DLCP, DOB, DC OAG, BBB and FTC guidance.