Unlike many other states, New Hampshire does not issue a statewide general contractor license. This means that to operate as a general contractor, you must instead navigate local regulations, obtaining permits and approvals directly from the city or town where you plan to work. This guide will walk you through the process of legally operating as a general contractor in New Hampshire, focusing on business registration and the local permitting process.
Is a General Contractor License Required in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not require a statewide general contractor license; instead, contractor oversight and project authorization are handled at the local municipal level through permitting and code compliance. While the state adopts a uniform building code, the responsibility for issuing permits, conducting inspections, and enforcing these codes falls to individual cities and towns.
This means you will not apply to a state board for a general contractor license, but you will need to work directly with the local building department for each project you undertake.
Understanding New Hampshire's Building Code & Local Authority
New Hampshire has adopted a statewide building code, outlined in NH Revised Statutes (RSA) 155-A, to ensure consistent safety and construction standards. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's office plays a role in the code adoption process.
However, the authority to enforce this code, issue building permits, and perform inspections is delegated to local municipalities. This makes the local building department in the city or town where your project is located the primary regulatory body you will interact with as a general contractor. It is critical to contact the relevant local department before beginning any work to understand their specific procedures, forms, and fees.
How to Operate as a General Contractor in New Hampshire
To work as a general contractor in New Hampshire, you must first establish your business legally and then comply with the permit process for each project at the local level.
Business Registration
Before taking on projects, you must register your business.
- Register with the NH Secretary of State: You will need to register your business entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship with a trade name) with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
- Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): If you plan to hire employees, you will need an EIN from the IRS.
Local Permits: A Case Study (Manchester, NH)
The process for obtaining a building permit varies by municipality. The following steps, using the City of Manchester as an example, illustrate a typical workflow.
- Determine Permit Requirements: Identify if your specific project, such as new construction, an addition, or a major renovation, requires a permit. Most construction activities beyond minor cosmetic repairs will need one.
- Identify the Local Department: In Manchester, the responsible office is the Planning and Community Development Department.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all necessary documentation, which may include detailed construction plans, site plans, project specifications, and information about your business.
- Submit the Application: Complete and submit the correct permit application form to the local building department.
- Pay Fees: Pay all applicable fees. Fee structures are set by the municipality and often depend on the project's scope and value.
- Undergo Plan Review and Inspections: The building department will review your plans for code compliance. Once the permit is issued and work begins, you must schedule required inspections at various stages of the project.
New Hampshire Contractor License Requirements: What's NOT Required (State-Level)
Because New Hampshire does not have a statewide general contractor license, there are no state-level requirements for experience, exams, insurance, or continuing education for general contractors.
Experience Requirements
No statewide experience requirements for general contractors were identified in the sources reviewed. While the state does not mandate a specific amount of work experience to operate as a general contractor, some local jurisdictions or specific large-scale projects may have pre-qualification criteria.
Are Exams Required for NH Contractors?
No statewide examination is required for general contractors in New Hampshire, as general contractor oversight occurs at the local permit level rather than through state licensure. This is different from licensed trades like electricians, who must pass a state-administered exam.
Insurance and Bonding
No statewide minimum insurance or bond requirements for general contractors were identified in the sources reviewed. However, maintaining adequate insurance is a standard business practice and is often required by clients or for specific local permits. Common insurance policies for contractors include:
- General Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party claims of property damage or bodily injury.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required for businesses with employees, per state law.
Continuing Education (CE)
No state-level CE requirement was identified in the sources reviewed for general contractors.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity agreements, which allow a licensed contractor from one state to obtain a license in another, do not apply to general contractors in New Hampshire because the state does not issue a general contractor license to reciprocate.
What are the Typical Local Permit Fees in New Hampshire?
While there is no state-level general contractor licensing fee in New Hampshire, municipalities like Manchester impose building permit fees based on the project's estimated cost of work, plus an application fee.
As an example, the fee schedule for the City of Manchester includes the following:
- Application Fee: $25.00 for all building permits.
- New Construction (1 & 2 family dwellings): Calculated as the estimated cost of work multiplied by 0.006.
- Other Projects (New Construction, Additions, Alterations, Renovations): Calculated as the estimated cost of work multiplied by 0.01.
- Plan Review Fee (Multi-family & Commercial): A fee of $0.02 per square foot applies to these permit applications.
The specific fee calculations are published by each municipality; confirm the current rates with the local building department before submitting a permit application.