What to Know Before
Hiring a Contractor

A practical guide for Mississippi Gulf Coast homeowners — from licensing laws and common scams to FORTIFIED roofs and hiring safely.

⚖️ Mississippi Contractor Licensing

Mississippi has specific licensing thresholds that many homeowners don't know about. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can void your insurance and leave you liable for unpaid subcontractors.

Remodeling Requires MSBOC license over $10,000
Roofing Requires MSBOC license over $10,000
Electrical Requires license at any dollar amount (life safety trade)
Plumbing Requires license at any dollar amount (life safety trade)
HVAC Requires license at any dollar amount (life safety trade)
New Construction Requires MSBOC license over $50,000

✅ Verify any MS contractor license online — or check directly at msboc.us

🚩 Common Contractor Scams

Storm Chasers

After hurricanes, out-of-state contractors flood the Gulf Coast. They knock on doors, demand large upfront payments, sign over your insurance claim (AOB), and disappear before the work is done. Always verify they're licensed in Mississippi and have a physical local address.

Bait-and-Switch Pricing

A contractor gives you a low initial estimate to win the job, then "discovers" expensive problems once demolition starts. Get everything in writing before work begins, including a clause that any change orders require your written approval.

Deposit Theft / No-Show

Legitimate contractors ask for 10-30% down. Scammers ask for 50%+ upfront and never start the work. Never pay the full amount upfront, and use a credit card if possible for purchase protection.

✅ How to Hire a Contractor Safely

  1. Get 3 written estimates — compare pricing, scope, and timelines
  2. Verify their license at msboc.us — make sure it's active and matches the work needed
  3. Ask for proof of insurance — general liability + workers' compensation
  4. Check references — ask for recent local projects, not just online reviews
  5. Get a written contract — scope, materials, timeline, payment schedule, change order process
  6. Never pay 100% upfront — standard deposit is 10-30%, balance on completion
  7. Request lien waivers upon final payment — protects you if the GC doesn't pay subcontractors

🔶 FORTIFIED Roofs & Insurance Discounts

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of the few places where your roof can save you money on insurance. A FORTIFIED Roof is built to higher standards (ring-shank nails, sealed deck, enhanced edge attachments) and qualifies for 15-30% discounts on the wind portion of your homeowner's insurance.

The "Strengthen Mississippi Homes" program offers grants up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners in coastal counties to retrofit existing roofs to FORTIFIED standards.

Look for the 🏠 FORTIFIED badge on contractor cards in our directory — these contractors are trained in FORTIFIED installation methods. The final certification requires inspection by an independent IBHS-certified evaluator, not the installer.

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