Hiring a contractor in Vermont

Vermont registers residential contractors for work over $10,000 and licenses plumbers and electricians through the Division of Fire Safety. From Burlington and the Champlain Valley to the Northeast Kingdom and the ski towns, these guides cover what each trade costs in Vermont, what the state requires, and how to vet before you sign.

Sunset over Lake Champlain from Burlington, with the Adirondacks across the water
A plumber servicing a water heater

Plumbers

Hiring a plumber in Vermont: the state plumbing license rule, when a state permit applies on town water, private wells and septic, and what a service call runs.

Wiring inside an electrical switch box

Electricians

How to hire an electrician in Vermont: the state's two-family license exemption, Burlington trades permits, work notices, and panels after a flood. Costs too.

A heat-pump condenser mounted on an exterior wall

HVAC Contractors

Hiring a heating and cooling contractor in Vermont: 2026 Efficiency Vermont and GMP heat pump rebates, which Fire Safety credential fits the job, and costs.

A roofer fastening shingles with a drill

Roofers

How to hire a roofer in Vermont: when OPR registration applies, the legal down payment cap, what the AG fraud registry shows, and roof costs across the state.

Interior renovation with exposed beams and framing

General Contractors

Hiring a general contractor in Vermont: checking OPR registration, the $1M insurance rule, Burlington permit fees, energy code paperwork and flood rebuilds.

A remodeled bathroom with a freestanding tub and walk-in shower

Bathroom Remodelers

Hiring a bathroom remodeler in Vermont: OPR registration over $10,000, who must do the plumbing, lead rules in pre-1978 baths, permits on town water, and cost.

A renovated white kitchen

Kitchen Remodelers

Hiring a kitchen remodeler in Vermont: the legal down payment ceiling worked out, what the written contract must say, gas and propane hookups, permits and cost.

A white colonial house with black shutters

Window, Siding & Gutter Contractors

Hiring a window, siding or gutter contractor in Vermont: why every pre-1978 window swap is lead-safe work, 2026 weatherization incentives, permits and cost.

A wooden fence line in winter

Fence Contractors

Hiring a fence contractor in Vermont: why a freestanding fence is outside OPR registration, the 811 marking clock, zoning and shoreland limits, and fence costs.

Well-worn gardening gloves on weathered boards

Landscapers

Hiring a landscaper in Vermont: why landscapers skip OPR registration, who must hold a pesticide certification, shoreland tree rules, and what a visit costs.

A roller laying fresh blue paint on a wall

Painters

Hiring a house painter in Vermont: the RRPM lead thresholds for interior rooms and exterior sides, why test kits fall short, OPR registration and paint costs.

A roofline and gutter system under a grey sky

Waterproofing Contractors

Hiring a basement waterproofing contractor in Vermont: what the 2023 and 2024 floods changed, spring snowmelt, radon testing, OPR registration and real costs.

Hand tools laid out on a workbench

Handymen

Hiring a handyman in Vermont: what stays under the $10,000 registration line, why plumbing needs a licensed plumber, lead-safe rules for old trim, and cost.

A carpenter cutting a piece of wood

Carpenters

Hiring a carpenter in Vermont: why an attached deck needs OPR registration over $10,000 and a barn does not, Burlington deck permit fees, lead and lake rules.

A herringbone hardwood floor

Flooring Contractors

Hiring a flooring installer in Vermont: replacing floors after a flood, testing old tile and painted floors, wood movement in dry winters, permits and costs.

A technician in protective gear treating a yard

Exterminators

Hiring an exterminator in Vermont: the Agency of Agriculture's applicator certification and company license, how to look a company up, wells, rentals and cost.

A magnifying glass over a wooden house model

Home Inspectors

Hiring a home inspector in Vermont: OPR property inspector licenses, radon testing in a sale, what to test a well for, septic checks, flood history and cost.

A room packed with moving boxes

Movers

Hiring movers in Vermont: checking a USDOT number for an interstate move, what to ask on an in-state move, dirt roads, mud season, winter access and cost.

A gloved hand wiping down a white counter with a spray bottle and paper towel

House Cleaners

Hiring a house cleaner in Vermont: no state license, so insurance and a written scope matter; ski-rental turnovers, septic-safe products, lead dust and cost.

A robotic cleaner working the floor of a swimming pool

Pool Cleaners

Hiring a pool service in Vermont: no state license, opening and closing around a short season, which work needs a licensed trade, water from a well, and cost.

A mason pressing a concrete block into fresh mortar with a trowel

Masonry Contractors

Hiring a mason in Vermont: the T4 chimney sweep credential, when OPR registration applies, stone walls and patios, wood stove rebates, frost and masonry costs.

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