Hiring a contractor in New Hampshire

New Hampshire licenses plumbers, electricians and gas fitters but has no state contractor registration, so the contract carries the weight. From the Millyard to the Lakes Region and the Seacoast, these guides cover what each trade costs in New Hampshire, which licenses exist, and how to vet before you sign.

Manchester's Millyard mills along the Merrimack River at Amoskeag Falls in winter
A plumber servicing a water heater

Plumbers

Hiring a plumber in New Hampshire: checking the person and the business on the OPLC lookup, the homeowner exemption, well water, drainlayers and NH costs.

Wiring inside an electrical switch box

Electricians

How to hire an electrician in New Hampshire: the OPLC license lookup, the 2023 NEC that took effect in July 2026, owner wiring, panel permits and typical costs.

A heat-pump condenser mounted on an exterior wall

HVAC Contractors

Hiring an HVAC contractor in New Hampshire: who reads the NHSaves heat pump rebate right, the fuel-gas license to look up, oil burners and typical costs.

A roofer fastening shingles with a drill

Roofers

How to hire a roofer in New Hampshire with no state roofing license: ice dams, snow load at elevation, Portsmouth and Manchester permits, scams and NH costs.

Interior renovation with exposed beams and framing

General Contractors

Hiring a general contractor in New Hampshire, where no license or registry exists: references, deposits, Manchester permit fees, the 2024 codes, NH costs.

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

Bathroom Remodelers

Hiring a bathroom remodeler in New Hampshire: which trades on the job need an OPLC license, lead-safe demolition in older homes, permits, venting and costs.

A renovated white kitchen

Kitchen Remodelers

Hiring a kitchen remodeler in New Hampshire: Manchester and Portsmouth permits, who may move a gas line, panel capacity for induction, lead dust and NH costs.

A white colonial house with black shutters

Window, Siding & Gutter Contractors

Hiring a window, siding or gutter contractor in New Hampshire: Portsmouth's Historic District approval, lead-safe work on old siding, timing and NH costs.

A wooden fence line in winter

Fence Contractors

Hiring a fence contractor in New Hampshire: town fence permits and setbacks, the 72-hour Dig Safe notice, frost-proof posts, ledge, boundary lines and costs.

Well-worn gardening gloves on weathered boards

Landscapers

Hiring a landscaper in New Hampshire: lakefront shoreland buffer limits, who may spray for ticks, Dig Safe before planting, fall cleanup timing and costs.

A roller laying fresh blue paint on a wall

Painters

Hiring a house painter in New Hampshire: EPA lead-safe prep on pre-1978 homes, the 2024 lead law for new rentals, the exterior painting window and NH costs.

A roofline and gutter system under a grey sky

Waterproofing Contractors

Hiring a basement waterproofing contractor in New Hampshire: why basements leak in mud season, interior drains and sumps, radon, warranties and typical costs.

Hand tools laid out on a workbench

Handymen

Hiring a handyman in New Hampshire: the line where licensed electricians and plumbers take over, trip minimums, batching a punch list, camps and NH costs.

A carpenter cutting a piece of wood

Carpenters

Hiring a carpenter or deck builder in New Hampshire: deck permits and fees, the 2024 residential code transition, frost footings, snow on decks and costs.

A herringbone hardwood floor

Flooring Contractors

Hiring a flooring contractor in New Hampshire: old wide-pine floors, winter dryness and acclimation, old vinyl and mastic, basements and typical NH costs.

A technician in protective gear treating a yard

Exterminators

Hiring an exterminator in New Hampshire: the state applicator certificate and how to confirm it, ticks, carpenter ants, mice in winter camps and NH costs.

A magnifying glass over a wooden house model

Home Inspectors

Hiring a home inspector in New Hampshire: the state license and OPLC lookup, well water and radon tests, septic, oil tanks, lake houses and typical costs.

A room packed with moving boxes

Movers

Hiring movers in New Hampshire: the Safety Department carrier certificate for in-state moves, USDOT numbers for interstate ones, peak weeks and NH costs.

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

House Cleaners

Hiring a house cleaner in New Hampshire: insurance, bonding and who employs the cleaner, ski and lake rental turnovers, wood-stove dust and typical costs.

A robotic cleaner working the floor of a swimming pool

Pool Cleaners

Hiring a pool service in New Hampshire: openings and closings in a short season, licensed electricians for heaters and bonding, pool permits and costs.

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

Masonry Contractors

Hiring a mason in New Hampshire: chimney crowns and liners in freeze-thaw winters, who may install a gas insert, stone walls, patios, Dig Safe and costs.

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