Know who is responsible
before signing.

Where do you verify Alabama credentials?

Use the Alabama General Contractors Board’s official roster and the Home Builders Licensure Board’s separate lookup when relevant to the work. Engineering and surveying credentials are checked through Alabama BELS. Match the license to the exact contracting entity and applicable classification.

The General Contractors Board announced exemption changes effective October 1, 2026. Ask the board about the specific scope instead of relying on an old price threshold or treating all maintenance as exempt.

Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors · Al Contractors · Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board · Al Builders · Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors · Al Engineers · Alabama General Contractors Board · Gc Exemptions

What should Smith Lake experience demonstrate?

• Familiarity with Alabama Power applications and owner responsibilities.
• Experience with the proposed wall or rock method.
• An understanding of ENS where habitat conditions apply.
• A feasible access plan for the actual lake lot.
• A process for approved changes and close-out.
• References for comparable work that the owner is allowed to contact.

Ask for insurance evidence that matches the contracting business and the work being proposed. Confirm coverage with the insurer or agent where appropriate; a logo or generic “insured” badge proves little.

Smith Lake residential shoreline guidelines · July 2025 · Smith Lake enhanced natural stabilization contractor guide

Which contract details prevent confusion?

Name the work limits, drawings, materials, payment milestones, exclusions, access permissions and restoration. State who submits the owner’s application materials, pays each fee and requests changes. The permit itself is issued to the permittee, not the contractor.

Avoid selecting on headline price alone. Compare the same complete scope and keep unresolved site conditions visible.

Smith Lake residential shoreline guidelines · July 2025