Backed by licensed GCs & certified home inspectors

The Construction
Knowledge Base
for Homeowners.

Before you hire, while the project runs, and if things go sideways, Jaspector gives you the knowledge to make the right call. Permits, licensing, insurance, cost benchmarks, contracts, dispute guidance, and more.

Researching a project? Hiring a contractor? Managing a live job? Dealing with a problem?
22,000+
local permit guides
50
state requirements
Free
always, for knowledge

General informational guidance only -- not licensed professional advice. Always verify with your local authority. Full disclaimer

Start Here

Researching a project?

Understand permits, costs, and requirements before you hire anyone.

Permit Requirements by City and County
Look up exactly what your project needs before anyone pulls a permit on your behalf.
Cost Benchmarking: Bathroom Remodel (2026)
What to budget and where costs vary by region and scope.
Who Pulls the Permit?
Homeowner vs. contractor -- and why it matters for liability.
Navigating Building Permits
A practical walkthrough of the permit process for homeowners.
Homeowner Crash Course
Step-by-step courses on hiring contractors and managing renovations.
Ready to hire? Next: finding and vetting a contractor ↓

Before You Sign

Hiring a contractor?

Verify licenses, understand requirements, and protect yourself before you commit.

State Licensing Verification
Confirm your contractor holds a valid, active license in your state.
License Requirements by State
General, specialty, and handyman license types -- what they cover and thresholds.
Contractor Agreement Templates
State-specific agreements ready to download and customize before you sign.
Hire a GC or Manage Trades Yourself?
When each approach makes sense for your project scope and budget.
5 Red Flags Before You Hire
Warning signs in bids, behavior, and credentials that experienced homeowners watch for.
Found your contractor? Next: managing the job once work starts ↓

While Work Is Happening

Managing a live job?

Stay informed on scope, inspections, and code requirements while your contractor is on site.

Construction Wiki
Terms, materials, installation methods, and code requirements explained for homeowners.
Plumbing Inspection Checklist
What the inspector checks and how to make sure your project passes.
Built-In Appliance Installation Requirements
Code and clearance requirements for dishwashers, ranges, and built-in appliances.
Scope of Work Templates
Define what is included, what is excluded, and how changes get handled.
Change Order Forms
Document scope changes and cost adjustments in writing before work proceeds.
Something went wrong? Next: dispute guidance and your legal options ↓

If Something Goes Wrong

Dealing with a problem?

Disputes, abandoned projects, and failed inspections -- step-by-step guidance on what to do next.

Mechanics Lien Homeowner Guide
What it is, how it works, and how to protect yourself from one.
Your Legal Rights with an Unlicensed Contractor
What the law says when work was done without a proper license.
Scope Disputes and How to Resolve Them
When the contractor says the work is done but you disagree on what was included.
File a Licensing Board Complaint
Find your state licensing board and file a formal complaint against a contractor.
Foundation Bowing and Cracking Guide
When to worry, what repairs cost, and how to evaluate a contractor's assessment.

You are not stuck. There is a clear path forward.

Browse by State

Find requirements for your state

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View all state hubs →

The Full Project Lifecycle

Knowledge is free. Your advisor applies it to your specific job.

Every stage is covered in the knowledge base. Members unlock a dedicated advisor for their actual project.

1. Research Your Project

Look up permit requirements, cost benchmarks, and what your project actually involves before talking to any contractor.

Permit lookup FREE Cost benchmarks FREE Code requirements FREE

2. Vet and Hire a Contractor

Look up licensing and insurance requirements for free -- then let your advisor review quotes and vet complaint history.

License check FREE Contractor vetting MEMBER Quote review MEMBER

3. Review and Sign the Contract

Your advisor reads the contract line by line -- payment terms, lien waivers, scope gaps, and completion conditions.

Templates FREE Contract review MEMBER Scope-of-work check MEMBER

4. Manage the Live Project

Look up code and permit requirements for free -- then let your advisor review change orders and guide inspections.

Code compliance FREE Inspection guidance MEMBER Change orders MEMBER

5. If Something Goes Wrong

Your advisor walks you through dispute documentation, licensing board complaints, bond claims, and small claims court.

Dispute guidance MEMBER Board complaints MEMBER Remediation MEMBER

6. Project Complete

Use the free walkthrough checklist to confirm the work -- then let your advisor handle lien waivers and warranty docs.

Walkthrough checklist FREE Lien waivers MEMBER Warranty docs MEMBER

Membership

The knowledge base is free. Your advisor is a member benefit.

When the knowledge base isn't enough -- your specific contract, contractor, city -- a member advisor handles it directly. Plans from $9/mo.

View membership plans

No contracts. Cancel anytime. Most questions answered the same day.

Partners & Creators

Work with Jaspector

If you create content for homeowners, or supply products and services to the construction market -- we'd like to talk. Creators get free membership for their audience. Merchants get listed in front of homeowners who are actively building.

I'm a creator / influencer I'm a merchant / supplier