Find a contractor in Charlotte, NC

A general contractor manages construction and remodeling projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to additions. They hire and schedule subcontractors, order materials, handle permits and keep the job moving. A good contractor gives a detailed written contract, keeps you updated, and is licensed and insured where required.

How many contractors are in Charlotte?

The Census Bureau counted 384 residential remodelers with employees in Charlotte, NC ZIP codes in 2023.

Countywide, Mecklenburg County has 488, or 43.2 per 100,000 residents: about the same as the US rate of 40.5, and 53rd of 165 large US cities per resident.

Another 2,719 self-employed businesses in residential building and remodeling contractors are based in Mecklenburg County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.

The ZIP codes with the most: 28227 (39), 28277 (37), 28269 (28), 28217 (25).

Half of Charlotte's homes were built before 1994, and 48% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.

Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes)	384 Census ZBP 2023
Per 100,000 residents, Mecklenburg County	43.2 US: 40.5
Rank among large US cities	53 of 165 county count per resident
Small businesses (under 5 staff)	78%
Self-employed, Mecklenburg County	2,719 Census NES 2023: residential building and remodeling contractors
Median year homes were built	1994 ACS 2023
Households that rent	48% ACS 2023
Population	886,283 ACS 2023

What do contractors in Charlotte help with?

Kitchen remodels
Bathroom remodels
Home additions
Basement finishing
Structural repairs
Window and door replacement
Decks and porches
Whole-home renovations
Accessibility upgrades
Insurance restoration

How do you choose a good contractor in Charlotte?

Check the contractor's license where required and verify it online.
Ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Get three detailed written bids with the same scope.
Ask who pulls permits. It should be the contractor.
Ask for references from recent jobs like yours.
Use a written contract with scope, schedule, payment milestones and change order rules.
Avoid large up-front payments.

Many states and cities license or register general contractors and require permits for remodeling; ask for a license number where one is required. See North Carolina license rules and lookup.

Questions to ask before you hire

Are you licensed and insured?
Who will be on site each day?
Will you pull permits?
What is the payment schedule?
How do you handle changes and surprises?
What warranty do you offer?
Can I talk to recent clients?

Red flags to watch for

Asking for most of the money up front.
No written contract.
Suggesting you skip permits.
No license or insurance.
Pressure to sign quickly.

What changes the price?

Project size and scope
Materials and finishes
Structural changes
Permits and inspections
Access and site conditions
Hidden damage found during work

Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.

Questions people ask

How many contractors are there in Charlotte?

The Census counted 384 residential remodelers with employees in Charlotte, NC in 2023, plus 2,719 self-employed businesses in Mecklenburg County.

What is a change order?

It is a written change to the original contract, including new costs or timing. Get every change in writing.

Should I pay a contractor up front?

A deposit is common, but avoid paying too much before work starts. Pay in stages as work is completed.

Do I need permits for a remodel?

Many remodels need permits, especially for structural, electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. Ask your contractor.

Contractors in nearby cities

Contractors in other cities

Raleigh, NC

Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a contractor.