This is a very common question that comes with a giant misconception. I am not sure where the rumor comes from but people are told that there is a FHA Certified Contractor List that they must select a contractor from. Some borrowers are also told that they need to get their contractor FHA 203k Certified.

This is not a thing!!! There is no certification and there is no list.

You are able to choose almost any contractor you want, with a few basic rules.

1. The contractor can not be you and can not be related to you. No fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, or other relate member. 2. The contractor has to be validated by your lender. ALL lenders have a different stack of criteria but there are some overlaps.

2. All Lenders Require

• Contractor fill out Validation Packet (lender specific) basic info and referrals
• If the city/county has a GC License - your contractor must have it.
• Insurance policy - most require a $1,000,000 policy which is very common.
• The GC is a true GC and not a sub.

3. Some Lenders Require

• Bond if the city/county has one available
• X amount of projects completed in the past year
• X amount of jobs completed at a certain price in the past year

There are a handful of other hoops and hurdles that the contractor will have to tackle but they just take time and patience rather than more time or accreditation. Before searching for a contractor - ask your lender what their requirements will be.

There are, however, a few companies out there that can recommend a good 203k Contractor. Makeover Renovations is one of those. We find good 203k contractors and make them better. We require a validation packet of our own and a contractor crash course to teach them all of the ins and outs.

If you need help finding a good 203k Contractor give us a call. 462.252.0028