Finding Qualified Contractors for VA Adaptive Housing Projects

Credentials to Look For

State Contractor License

Every state regulates contractors differently. In California, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)issues licenses and you can verify any contractor's license status online in under a minute. Every other state has an equivalent board. Verify directly at the source — don't take the contractor's word for it.

General Liability Insurance and Workers' Comp

Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) for both general liability and workers' compensation. If you're worried it might be fake or expired, call the insurance broker listed on the COI and verify. A legitimate contractor will expect this request.

Bonding

Most states require contractors to carry a surety bond that protects consumers from contractor default. Bond amounts vary by state. Confirm the bond is current with the issuing surety.

CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist)

CAPSis a certification from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) specifically for aging-in-place and accessibility work. A CAPS-certified contractor has completed coursework in universal design, accessibility code, and working with older adults and people with disabilities. It's not required for VA work, but it's a strong signal the contractor understands the domain.

VA Grant Experience

Ask directly: "How many VA SAH, SHA, or HISA projects have you completed?" A contractor who has done even a few knows the scope-approval rhythm, the inspection expectations, and how to format paperwork for the VA. A contractor who has done zero will be learning on your project.

Questions to Ask on the First Call

A short screening call saves hours of site-visit time. Ask:

• What's your license number and in which states are you licensed?
• Are you CAPS-certified, or do you have other accessibility credentials?
• How many VA SAH, SHA, or HISA projects have you completed?
• Can you handle the VA scope-approval paperwork, or will I need to?
• What's your typical timeline for a project this size?
• Can you provide three references from veterans you've worked with?
• Do you carry general liability and workers' comp? Can you send a current COI?

For the full in-person interview, see our contractor interview questions guide.

What the VA Requires for Reimbursement

For SAH and SHA, the VA pays against approved scope and actual invoices. Your contractor needs to produce:

• A detailed scope and estimate approved by the VA before work begins.
• Proof of licensing and insurance on file.
• Itemized invoices that match approved scope line items.
• Lien waivers at each payment milestone.
• Permits and inspection sign-offs.
• A final walkthrough or inspection report.

HISA has a lighter documentation load but still requires a licensed contractor and itemized invoices. A contractor who says "the VA won't need to see that" is a contractor you shouldn't hire.

Why Not Use an Unlicensed Contractor Even If Cheaper

Two reasons. First, the VA may refuse reimbursement for work done by an unlicensed contractor — so the "savings" become a full out-of-pocket cost. Second, you lose the consumer protections that licensing, bonding, and insurance exist to provide. If something goes wrong — defective work, injury on site, mid-project abandonment — you have no recourse.

A licensed contractor's bid is higher because it includes the cost of doing business legally. That cost is worth paying.