COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—As summer construction ramps up across Ohio, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance is emphasizing the importance of working with the state’s nearly 11,000 licensed contractors. According to U.S. News & World Report, one in 10 Americans has fallen victim to contractor scams, making it crucial to verify contractor credentials for both commercial and residential projects.

All commercial contractors in Ohio must be licensed through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), which oversees the licensing of qualified electrical, HVAC, plumbing, hydronics, and refrigeration contractors. The OCILB currently licenses over 10,600 contractors.

Working with unlicensed contractors can lead to legal and financial risks, including liability for worker injuries and potential lawsuits. Unlicensed contractors are not obligated to fix unsatisfactory work, which can negatively impact property value and require additional repairs.

To verify a contractor’s license, Ohioans can use the OCILB’s online license lookup. Complaints about unlicensed commercial contractors can be submitted to the OCILB at 614-644-3493 or through their online system. Residential contractor complaints should be directed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Section or local building departments.