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These guides explain what typical projects cost, how to compare providers and how to check licensing in Washington, D.C..
Who licenses contractors and lawyers in Washington, D.C.
| Trade | Licensed by | Verify |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades | No online state lookup |
| Plumbing | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades | No online state lookup |
| Electrical | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Board of Industrial Trades | No online state lookup |
| Roofing | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) | No online state lookup |
| General / home-improvement contracting | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) | No online state lookup |
| Attorneys | District of Columbia Bar | 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 Washington
Residential building permits are issued by DC Department of Buildings (DOB). Your contractor should normally pull the permit and schedule inspections.
Official permit office page, checked November 15, 2026.
Local businesses by trade in District of Columbia
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 | 37 | 1,772 |
| Electrical | Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors | 22 | 877 |
| Roofing | Roofing contractors | 6 | 106 |
| General Contracting | Residential remodelers | 138 | 609 |
| Landscaping | Landscaping services | 22 | 198 |
| Painting | Painting and wall covering contractors | 12 | 125 |
| Flooring | Flooring contractors | 6 | 96 |
| Pest Control | Exterminating and pest control services | 4 | 22 |
| Residential Cleaning | Janitorial services | 115 | 5,139 |
| Moving | Used household and office goods moving | 6 | 68 |
| Home Security | Security systems services (except locksmiths) | 16 | 183 |
| Auto Repair | General automotive repair | 31 | 160 |
| Pet Services | Pet care (except veterinary) services | 42 | 399 |
| Tutoring | Exam preparation and tutoring | 43 | 497 |
| Accounting | Offices of certified public accountants | 97 | 4,270 |
| Legal | Offices of lawyers | 1,197 | 31,104 |
| Mortgage | Mortgage and nonmortgage loan brokers | 7 | 316 |
| Digital Marketing | Advertising agencies | 80 | 1,241 |
| IT Services | Computer systems design services | 364 | 7,286 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023. Employer establishments only. Checked November 15, 2026.
Washington climate at a glance
Washington averages 3,769 heating degree days and 1,738 cooling degree days a year, with 41.8 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 USW00013743. Checked November 15, 2026.
Local notes for Washington
Washington 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.