Kentucky contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

No state general contractor or home improvement license

General contractors, remodelers, roofers, painters, flooring and siding contractors are not on the list of trades HBC licenses. Check local requirements.

• Good to know: HBC states it licenses or certifies plumbers, electricians, boiler contractors, sprinkler and/or fire alarm contractors and building inspectors, and its Division of HVAC licenses heating and air conditioning contractors.

Trade licenses (HBC)

Electrical contractors and electricians, master and journeyman plumbers, master HVAC contractors and journeymen.

• Good to know: Only licensed or otherwise authorized individuals may apply for an HVAC permit. Exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE (ICC).

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Continuing education: HBC states that its HVAC division maintains the skills of HVAC contractors and journeymen through continuing education. No CE rule applies to general contractors at the state level.

Contracts and homeowner protections

No state written-contract or deposit statute for home improvement was confirmed. Under Kentucky lien law, for owner-occupied single or double family homes, a subcontractor or supplier who did not contract directly with the owner must give the owner written notice no more than 75 days after the last labor or materials (KRS 376.010(4)); payments the owner makes before receiving that notice are not subject to the lien. Lien statements must be filed with the county clerk within six months after work stops (KRS 376.080). A contractor must use owner payments to pay those who furnished labor and materials (KRS 376.070); violating this is a Class A misdemeanor (KRS 376.990).

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction licenses electrical contractors and electricians (Electrical Division), master and journeyman plumbers (Division of Plumbing), and HVAC contractors and journeymen (Division of HVAC, KRS 198B.650 to 198B.689, required since July 1995).

City and county rules

Because there is no state general contractor license, some cities and counties may require local contractor licenses or registration. The Attorney General's storm-scam guidance tells consumers to check with the local contractor registration office (for example, in Mayfield) and notes out-of-town contractors may lack proper licensing for the area.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• An official page that says in plain words that Kentucky has no state general contractor license. This guide's conclusion is based on the state's list of licensed trades.
• Trade license requirements (exams, experience, insurance, fees, renewal) for electrical, plumbing and HVAC were not collected.
• Any Kentucky statute on home improvement contracts, deposits, cancellation rights or roofing/insurance deductible rules.
• Local licensing programs in Louisville, Lexington and other cities.
• Penalties for unlicensed trade work.

Sources

1. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (home page)
2. HBC Divisions directory
3. HBC Licensing Information
4. HBC licensing forms and documents
5. HBC Division of HVAC
6. HBC Storm Relief Updates
7. Kentucky Lien Law (PDF) - HBC
8. Natural Disaster Scams - Kentucky Attorney General