Are you planning to become a Nebraska general contractor? If so, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Nebraska general contractor license requirements. To ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements, this blog post will discuss the steps necessary to obtain a Nebraska general contractor license in 2024.

Who Needs a Nebraska General Contractor License

Nebraska contractor licensing differs from other states. It's county-based, so you’ll need to research your specific county's requirements. However, not all contractors are required to pursue licensing. Specialty contractors, handyman businesses earning less than $5,000 each year, and contractors working in counties with populations of less than 100,000 are exempt from the licensing requirements.

Even though licensing may not be mandatory, nearly all contractors are obligated to register their businesses through the Nebraska Department of Labor.

How To Register Your Business in Nebraska

To make this process easier, the Department of Labor provides a User Guide (located on the right side of their website) to help you navigate through registration smoothly. Here's how to do it:

1. Create a Log-In:
   Visit the Nebraska Department of Labor website.
2. Register and create a log-in account.
3. Complete Registration:
   -Provide personal and business information.
   -Describe your services.
   -Enter employee details.
   -List officers, members, subcontractors.
   -Submit insurance info (liability, workers' comp).
   -Pay the $40 registration fee.

Nebraska General Contractor License Requirements - County by County

When it comes to obtaining a general contractor license in Nebraska, it is important to understand that the requirements can vary by county. Each county has its own specific licensing process, so here's a county-by-county overview:

Lancaster County

​​Contractors conducting business within Lancaster County must complete their licensing process through the City of Lincoln Department of Building and Safety. The city mandates licensing for several contractor categories, which include:

• Master electrical contractors.
• Master plumbing contractors.
• HVAC contractors.

Insurance prerequisites and bonding amounts are contingent on the contractor's type and range from $500,000 to $2,000,000 for insurance and $5,000 to $25,000 for bonds.

Sarpy County

Contractors and subcontractors operating in Sarpy County are required to register through the City of La Vista Building Department and meet the following requirements:

1. Application: Utilize the Occupation License Application for Construction and Tradesman, available through the City of La Vista Building Department.
2. Fees: Prepare a $75 registration fee.
3. Insurance Requirements: Provide evidence of the following insurance coverage:
   -General liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage.
   -Bodily injury insurance with a minimum of $500,000 in coverage.

Douglas County

Contractors operating within Douglas County, under the purview of the City of Omaha Planning Department, are required to hold licenses issued by the county. These licenses are categorized into several types, each with its own set of prerequisites and authorizations:

• Class A Contractors: Authorized to work on all structures, including high-rise buildings.
• Class B Contractors: Permitted to work on structures up to four stories in height.
• Class C Contractors: Eligible for constructing homes and duplexes.
• Class D Contractors: Specialize in residential structure remodeling.
• Class E Contractors: Focus on installing roofs, siding, windows, and decks.

Insurance and bonding requirements are as follows:

• Class A and B Contractors: Must carry general liability policies with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000.
• Class C Contractors: Required to hold general liability policies with a minimum coverage of $500,000.
• Class D and E Contractors: Need to maintain general liability policies with a minimum coverage of $300,000.
• All Contractors: Must secure bonds valued at $10,000.

Penalties for Unlicensed Contracting in Nebraska

Contractors and subcontractors in Nebraska who fail to register but still perform contracting work within the state can face penalties including a $500 fine. It's important for contractors to be aware of this and ensure they are properly licensed to avoid these penalties. However, if a contractor contests the citation, they have the opportunity to register within 60 days, at which point the state will waive the fee. 

Leveraging your license on Houzz

Now that you know how to get a general contractor license in Nebraska, it’s time to start thinking about how you can promote your license to potential clients. Everyone who’s anyone knows the value of a blue checkmark on social media. That’s what the green Verified License Badge is for businesses on Houzz Pro. With one glance, this Badge helps you:

• Let homeowners know that your business is licensed by state industry experts.
• Stand out from the competition while homeowners consider who to hire
• Add credibility to your company name, providing peace of mind to future clients

Here are the steps you can take to add a verified license to your Houzz profile. If you haven’t created a free profile on Houzz, sign up today and get ready to make a bigger impact with your business’ online presence.