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These guides explain what typical projects cost, how to compare providers and how to check licensing in Maryland.
Who licenses contractors and lawyers in Maryland
| Trade | Licensed by | Verify |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC | Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (Maryland Department of Labor) | Check a license |
| Plumbing | Maryland State Board of Plumbing (Maryland Department of Labor) | Check a license |
| Electrical | Maryland State Board of Electricians (Maryland Department of Labor) | Check a license |
| Roofing | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) | Check a license |
| General / home-improvement contracting | Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) | Check a license |
| Attorneys | Supreme Court of Maryland (Maryland Judiciary) | Check a license |
Compiled from each state agency's official site, checked November 15, 2026. Details and sources are on each trade page.
Building permits in Baltimore
Residential building permits are issued by Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development. Your contractor should normally pull the permit and schedule inspections.
Official permit office page, checked November 15, 2026.
Local businesses by trade in Baltimore city
How many employer businesses each trade has locally, from the Census Bureau's County Business Patterns.
| Service | Census industry | Locations | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC & plumbing | Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors | 82 | 1,260 |
| Electrical | Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors | 55 | 669 |
| Roofing | Roofing contractors | 18 | 369 |
| General Contracting | Residential remodelers | 145 | 444 |
| Landscaping | Landscaping services | 36 | 183 |
| Painting | Painting and wall covering contractors | 30 | 365 |
| Flooring | Flooring contractors | 12 | 18 |
| Pest Control | Exterminating and pest control services | 9 | 30 |
| Residential Cleaning | Janitorial services | 102 | 3,377 |
| Moving | Used household and office goods moving | 18 | 209 |
| Home Security | Security systems services (except locksmiths) | 11 | 124 |
| Auto Repair | General automotive repair | 100 | 553 |
| Pet Services | Pet care (except veterinary) services | 23 | 175 |
| Tutoring | Exam preparation and tutoring | 14 | 186 |
| Accounting | Offices of certified public accountants | 55 | 1,876 |
| Legal | Offices of lawyers | 380 | 4,844 |
| Mortgage | Mortgage and nonmortgage loan brokers | 11 | 104 |
| Digital Marketing | Advertising agencies | 33 | 1,117 |
| IT Services | Computer systems design services | 60 | 961 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023. Employer establishments only. Checked November 15, 2026.
Baltimore climate at a glance
Baltimore averages 3,858 heating degree days and 1,749 cooling degree days a year, with 43.7 inches of precipitation. That shapes HVAC sizing and roofing choices; see the HVAC and roofing pages for what it means.
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station USW00093784. Checked November 15, 2026.
Local notes for Baltimore
Baltimore pages for each service. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, contracting and lawyer pages include the licensing body, permit office, local firm counts and wages, with sources.
AllCityPros is an independent information resource and does not endorse or rate specific businesses. Sample directory entries from an earlier version of this site are kept for reference and are not verified.