General information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice.
Alabama has two different state boards that license contractors, and which one applies depends on the kind of building and the size of the job. Knowing the difference makes it much easier to check a contractor before you hire, especially after a storm, when out-of-town crews and door-to-door sales pitches are common.
Two licensing boards
Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors (commercial)
The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors licenses general contractors. Under the definition the board publishes from Code of Alabama § 34-8-1, a general contractor is one who undertakes to construct or superintend the construction, alteration, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation or demolition of a building, structure or other improvement in Alabama where the cost of the undertaking, including labor and materials, is $100,000 or more. Licenses list the specialties (classifications) the contractor is qualified for, such as roofing or glass and glazing. Source:Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors: Contractor Licensing Law.
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (residential)
Contractors who build and remodel homes are licensed by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. The board states that a state homebuilders license is required when the cost of the job exceeds $10,000, and that a roofer license is required if the work is simply replacing a roof and the cost of the job exceeds $2,500. The board also encourages consumers to hire its licensees even when the job is smaller than that. Source:Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (November 2025).
How to look up a license
- Commercial contractors: use the ALBGC license search. You can search by business name, license number, city or specialty.
- Residential builders and roofers: use theAlabama Home Builders Licensure Board license lookup.
- Check that the license is current, that the name matches the business on your contract, and that the license covers the work you need.
- Ask to see the contractor's license card. The Home Builders Licensure Board specifically recommends this.
Every listing on this site has a license panel with the license number and a link to verify it on the state board website.
Storm-chaser warning signs
After a hurricane or tornado, be cautious with anyone who:
- Knocks on your door uninvited and pushes you to sign that day.
- Can't give you a state license number, or gives one that doesn't match their business name.
- Asks for full payment, or an unusually large deposit, before any work or materials arrive.
- Asks you to sign over your insurance claim or let them "handle" your insurer before you've seen a written estimate.
- Won't put the scope, price and schedule in writing.
- Has no local address or references you can check.
The Home Builders Licensure Board advises homeowners to get multiple quotes and follow up on a contractor's references. Report suspected unlicensed contracting to the appropriate board.
Get it in writing
A clear written contract protects both you and the contractor. Before you sign, make sure it includes:
- The contractor's business name, address and state license number.
- A detailed scope of work, including products, brands, colors and ratings (for example, roof covering wind ratings or window design pressure ratings).
- The total price, the payment schedule tied to completed work, and how changes will be priced.
- Start and completion dates.
- Who obtains any required permits and schedules inspections.
- Cleanup and disposal of old materials.
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
- For FORTIFIED work, who hires the evaluator and that the work will meet the FORTIFIED standard. See our FORTIFIED guide.
Ask for proof of insurance as well, and keep copies of everything with your home records.