Arkansas issues several types of contractor licenses, and understanding which classification your project requires helps you hire the right professional. Here's what Northwest Arkansas homeowners need to know about contractor licensing.

Why License Types Matter

An Arkansas contractor license indicates what type and scale of work someone is legally authorized to perform. Hiring a contractor without proper license classification for your project can result in:

Work not meeting code requirements

Insurance claims being denied

Difficulty selling your home later

No recourse through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

Main License Classifications

1. Residential Contractor License

What it covers: New home construction and remodeling projects under $50,000

Common projects:

Room additions

Deck construction

Bathroom remodels

Kitchen remodels (under threshold)

Basement finishing

Requirements:

Pass Arkansas law and business exam

Pass residential construction exam

Maintain $10,000 bond

Carry liability insurance

When you need this: Most home improvement projects in Bentonville, Rogers, Centerton, and Bella Vista fall under this classification.

2. Commercial Contractor License

What it covers: Commercial buildings and residential projects exceeding $50,000

Common projects:

Large home additions

Whole-house remodels

New custom homes

Commercial tenant improvements

Office buildings

Requirements:

Higher bonding requirements

Additional testing

More extensive insurance

Proof of financial responsibility

When you need this: Major renovations or new construction exceeding the residential contractor threshold.

3. Specialty Contractor Licenses

Arkansas also issues specific licenses for specialized trades:

#### Electrical Contractor

**What it covers**: All electrical installations and repairs

**License levels**: Journeyman, Master Electrician, Contractor

**Required for**: Any electrical work beyond replacing fixtures

**Important**: City electrical permits require licensed electrician

#### Plumbing Contractor

**What it covers**: Water supply, drainage, and gas piping systems

**License levels**: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Plumber, Contractor

**Required for**: Anything beyond fixture replacement

**Note**: Separate license needed for gas line work

#### HVAC Contractor

**What it covers**: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration

**License levels**: Multiple classifications based on system type

**Required for**: System installation, replacement, and major repairs

**Important for NWA**: Should be factory-certified for brands they install

#### Roofing Contractor

**What it covers**: Roof installation, repair, and replacement

**Requirements**: General contractor license or specific qualifications

**When needed**: Any roof work beyond minor repairs

**NWA consideration**: Should have experience with ice storm damage

License Verification

How to Check a License

1. Visit arkansas.gov/contractors

2. Click "License Search" or "Verify a License"

3. Enter contractor name or license number

4. Review results for:

Active status

License classification

Expiration date

Disciplinary actions

What to Look For

Valid license shows:

Current active status

Appropriate classification for your project

Business name matching their marketing

No recent disciplinary actions

Expiration date well into the future

Red flags:

Expired or suspended status

Wrong classification for project type

Multiple violations

Recently issued license but claims decades of experience

Common Homeowner Questions

"My project is small. Do I really need a licensed contractor?"

Arkansas law requires licensing for most home improvement work. The threshold is low—projects over $2,000 typically require licensing. "Small" projects still need proper licensing.

Examples requiring licenses:

Installing a new water heater

Replacing HVAC system

Bathroom remodel

Deck construction

Electrical panel upgrade

"The contractor says their helper will do the work. Is that okay?"

Helpers and apprentices can perform work under supervision of a licensed contractor, but:

Licensed contractor must be involved

Responsible party should visit job site regularly

All work falls under licensed contractor's responsibility

Your contract should specify who performs work

"Can a handyman do this, or do I need a licensed contractor?"

Arkansas law is clear: Projects over $2,000 require licensed contractors. "Handyman" isn't a licensed classification in Arkansas.

Handymen can legally:

Perform minor repairs under $2,000

Change light fixtures

Paint

Minor carpentry

General maintenance

Handymen cannot legally:

Remodel bathrooms or kitchens

Install HVAC systems

Perform electrical or plumbing work

Build additions or structures

"What if the contractor has an LLC but no license?"

Business registration (LLC, Corporation) is separate from contractor licensing. You need BOTH:

Valid Arkansas contractor license

Business registered with Secretary of State

Having an LLC without a contractor license doesn't make someone legally qualified to perform home improvement work.

Benton County Considerations

In Northwest Arkansas, additional requirements may apply:

City Permits

Bentonville:

Active building department

Permits required for most home improvements

Inspections required at various stages

Some work requires licensed contractors even if under $2,000 threshold

Rogers:

Similar requirements to Bentonville

Strong code enforcement

Regular inspections

Permit costs vary by project type

Centerton:

Growing city with active building department

Permit requirements for structural work

Inspections required for completion

Bella Vista:

Property Owners Association (POA) may have additional requirements

City building permits separate from POA approval

Both may be required for exterior changes

When to Contact Your City

Before hiring contractors for:

Any structural changes

Additions or new structures

Plumbing or electrical work

HVAC system replacement

Roof replacement (sometimes)

If You've Hired an Unlicensed Contractor

If work has begun or been completed by someone unlicensed:

Immediate steps:

1. Stop any ongoing work

2. Document what's been completed

3. Don't make additional payments

4. Contact Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

5. Consider consulting an attorney

Potential consequences:

Work may not meet code

City may require removal and proper re-installation

Insurance won't cover damages

Limited legal recourse

Difficulty selling home

Finding the Right Licensed Contractor

Questions to ask:

"What's your Arkansas contractor license number?"

"What classification is your license?"

"Does your license classification cover this specific project?"

"Will you or your employees be performing the work?"

"Are your employees also licensed?" (for specialty trades)

Verify everything:

License status

Insurance coverage

Business registration

References

Online reviews

Bottom Line

Arkansas contractor licensing exists to protect homeowners. Different license types ensure contractors have demonstrated competency for specific work types.

Before hiring anyone for home improvement:

1. Verify they hold appropriate Arkansas contractor license

2. Confirm license classification matches your project

3. Check license is active and in good standing

4. Verify required insurance coverage

5. Get everything in writing

Don't let contractors convince you licensing doesn't matter. It matters significantly if problems arise.

Need help connecting with properly licensed contractors for your Northwest Arkansas project? We verify contractor licenses before including them in our network, giving you confidence in who you're hiring in Centerton, Bentonville, Rogers, or Bella Vista.

Understanding Arkansas Contractor License Types