Licensing Requirements by Jurisdiction
The first and most important check is licensing. Each jurisdiction in the DMV has specific licensing requirements for contractors performing glass work. An unlicensed contractor operating in your area is either unaware of the law or deliberately ignoring it -- neither is a good sign.
Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
Virginia uses a three-tier contractor licensing system based on project value. Class C covers projects from $1,000 to $10,000 (most single-window repairs). Class B covers $10,000 to $120,000 (multi-window replacements, shower enclosures). Class A covers projects over $120,000. The license requires passing a trade exam, demonstrating financial responsibility, and maintaining insurance. Verify any license at dpor.virginia.gov.
Verify: dpor.virginia.gov -- License Lookup
Washington DC
Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
DC requires a Basic Business License with a Home Improvement Contractor endorsement for residential work. Commercial projects may require a General Contractor license. DC also requires contractors to provide a written contract for home improvement work and to comply with the Consumer Protection Procedures Act. Verify licenses through the DLCP online portal.
Verify: dlcp.dc.gov -- Business License Verification
Maryland
Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
Maryland requires Home Improvement Contractor registration through MHIC for residential glass work. The MHIC license number must appear on all contracts, advertisements, and estimates. Maryland law also requires contractors to participate in the Guaranty Fund, which provides limited protection to consumers if a registered contractor fails to perform. Verify registration at dllr.state.md.us.
Verify: dllr.state.md.us -- License Search
Our License
Expert Glass Repair holds Fully Insured and is registered and licensed to operate in DC and Maryland. We are fully insured, bonded, and have maintained active licensure since 2004.
Insurance: What to Verify and Why
Insurance verification is not optional -- it is essential liability protection for you as the homeowner. If an uninsured or underinsured contractor causes property damage or a worker is injured on your property, you could be held financially responsible.
General Liability
At least $1M per occurrence
Covers damage to your property caused during the work. If a glazier drops a glass panel on your hardwood floor or damages your exterior siding during installation, general liability pays for repairs.
Workers Compensation
Required by law (VA, DC, MD)
Covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you may be liable for their medical bills and disability payments.
Commercial Auto
Standard coverage
Covers damage caused by the contractor's vehicles while traveling to and from your property, including any damage to your driveway, landscaping, or vehicles.
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and verify it is current by calling the insurance company listed on the certificate. A legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation. If they refuse, deflect, or say they are "self-insured" (which is not a real thing for small contractors), walk away.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Beyond licensing and insurance, these questions will help you evaluate the competence, professionalism, and reliability of any glass contractor you are considering.
“What is your contractor license number?”
A professional will state it immediately. Verify it before proceeding.
“Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance?”
Should be available within 24 hours from their insurance agent.
“How long have you been in business?”
Glass work requires experience. Look for at least 5 years of operation with verifiable history.
“What brand and type of glass will you use?”
Quality contractors specify exact products. Vague answers like "standard glass" suggest lower quality materials.
“What is included in the estimate?”
Ask specifically about glass, hardware, labor, removal of old glass, cleanup, and disposal. Hidden costs are a common issue.
“What warranty do you provide?”
Get the workmanship warranty in writing. Ask about the manufacturer warranty on the glass and hardware.
“Do you pull permits when required?”
Some glass projects (particularly commercial and structural) require building permits. A contractor who skips permits is cutting corners.
“Can you provide three recent references in the area?”
Call the references. Ask about timeliness, cleanliness, quality of work, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
“What is the estimated timeline from order to completion?”
Custom glass work takes time. Be wary of promises that seem too fast -- it may mean they stock generic, lower-quality glass.
“How do you handle issues or callbacks?”
Ask about their process if something is wrong after installation. A professional company has a clear, documented warranty service process.
Red Flags to Watch For
After 20+ years in the glass industry, we have seen every tactic used by unreliable contractors. Here are the warning signs that should cause you to walk away.
No written estimate or contract
Virginia law requires a written contract for home improvement projects over $1,000. Verbal agreements offer you zero protection.
Demands full payment upfront
A reasonable deposit for custom work is normal. Full payment before work begins is not. You lose all leverage if problems arise.
Cannot or will not provide a license number
Operating without a license is illegal in VA, DC, and MD. If they will not give you a number, they do not have one.
No physical business address
A PO box alone is a warning sign. Legitimate glass companies need a shop for cutting, fabrication, and storage.
Significantly lower estimate than competitors
If one estimate is 40-50% below others, the contractor is likely using cheaper materials, cutting corners on installation, or planning to add charges later.
Pressure to decide immediately
Phrases like "this price is only good today" are high-pressure sales tactics. A legitimate company will honor their estimate for a reasonable period.
No online reviews or brand-new business listing
While everyone starts somewhere, a glass contractor with zero reviews and a business listing created last month carries substantially more risk than an established company.
Offers to work without a permit when one is required
Skipping required permits saves the contractor time and money but exposes you to code violations, failed inspections, and potential liability.
How to Compare Glass Estimates
Getting multiple estimates is smart, but comparing them requires looking beyond the bottom-line number. Two estimates for the "same" project can vary significantly because of material differences, scope differences, or warranty differences.
What a Complete Estimate Should Include
Exact glass type, thickness, and brand
Hardware brand and finish (for shower doors, railings)
Whether old glass removal is included
Cleanup and debris disposal
Estimated start date and completion date
Workmanship warranty duration
Manufacturer warranty information
Permit costs if applicable
Payment schedule (deposit, progress, final)
Whether the estimate is binding or subject to change
If an estimate is vague on any of these points, ask for clarification in writing before signing. Assumptions and verbal promises are the root cause of most contractor disputes.
Checking Reviews and References
Online reviews are valuable but should be evaluated critically. Look at the overall pattern, not individual reviews. A company with 200 reviews averaging 4.7 stars is more reliable than a company with 8 reviews averaging 5.0 stars -- volume indicates consistency.
Check multiple platforms: Google Business Profile is the most comprehensive, but also check Yelp, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for responses to negative reviews -- a professional company addresses complaints constructively rather than defensively.
When contacting references provided by the contractor, ask specific questions: Did the project finish on time? Was the final cost consistent with the estimate? Was the work area left clean? Did any issues arise after installation, and if so, how did the company respond? Would you hire them again?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a glass contractor need a license in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires a Class A, B, or C contractor license for glass installation and repair work depending on the project value. Class A is required for projects over $120,000, Class B for $10,000 to $120,000, and Class C for $1,000 to $10,000. The license is issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). You can verify any contractor license at dpor.virginia.gov. Expert Glass Repair holds Fully Insured.
Do glass contractors need a license in DC?
Yes. Washington DC requires a Basic Business License with a Home Improvement Contractor endorsement for residential glass work, and a General Contractor license for commercial projects. DC also requires contractors to register with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA, now DLCP). Always verify DC licensure before hiring.
What insurance should a glass contractor carry?
At minimum, a glass contractor should carry General Liability insurance (covering property damage caused during work), Workers Compensation insurance (required by law in VA, DC, and MD for employees), and Commercial Auto insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance and verify it is current. Liability coverage should be at least $1 million per occurrence. If the contractor lacks workers comp and a worker is injured on your property, you could be held financially liable.
How many estimates should I get for glass work?
Getting two to three estimates is standard practice. However, the lowest estimate is not always the best value. Compare what is included: glass type and thickness, hardware brand, warranty terms, cleanup, and estimated timeline. A significantly lower estimate often means lower-quality glass, imported hardware, or corners cut on installation. Make sure each estimate specifies the exact same materials for a fair comparison.
What is a reasonable warranty for glass installation?
A reputable glass contractor should offer a minimum one-year warranty on workmanship (installation quality) and should pass through the manufacturer warranty on the glass itself, which typically ranges from 5 to 20 years depending on the product. Insulated glass units (IGUs) typically carry a 10-year seal failure warranty. Tempered and laminated glass have lifetime warranties against manufacturing defects. Be wary of contractors who offer no written warranty.
Should I pay a deposit before glass work starts?
A reasonable deposit of 25-50% is standard for custom glass work that requires fabrication to your specifications (custom tempered shower panels, for example). However, you should never pay 100% upfront, and standard repair work should not require a deposit. In Virginia, contractors must provide a written contract for projects over $1,000 and may not demand full payment before work begins. If a contractor demands full payment upfront, that is a significant red flag.
How do I verify a contractor license in Virginia?
Visit the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website at dpor.virginia.gov and use the License Lookup tool. Search by the contractor name or license number. The lookup will show the license class, status (active/inactive/revoked), issue and expiration dates, and any disciplinary actions. You can also call DPOR at (804) 367-8511. A legitimate contractor will provide their license number without hesitation.
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By the Expert Glass Repair Team
Serving the DMV since 2004 -- DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland
Expert Glass Repair has served the Washington DC metro area since 2004. Fully Insured. Fully insured and bonded. We welcome all vetting questions -- transparency is how trust is built. Learn more about our company.
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