Nevada Contracts & Change Orders
Nevada expects residential improvement work to be documented in writing, and any scope change to be captured formally. This chapter covers the written-contract requirement and change orders.
Written residential contracts
Nevada requires a written agreement for residential improvement work, signed by the parties and describing the scope, the price, and the payment schedule (NRS 624.600). A clear written contract protects both the owner and the contractor and is expected by the Board; an oral estimate is not a substitute.
Change orders
When the owner requests additional work not in the original scope, it should be authorized by a written change order that states the added work, its price, and any schedule effect, signed by both parties before the work proceeds. Verbal changes are a leading cause of payment disputes on Nevada projects.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB)
- Prelicensing education
- Four years of relevant experience within the last fifteen years
- Passing score
- 75%
- Scored questions
- 60
Does Nevada require a state contractor license?
Yes. The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) licenses contractors under NRS/NAC Chapter 624, using Class A (Engineering), Class B (Building), and Class C (specialty). The monetary limit is tied to the financial statement, with a reviewed or audited CPA statement required for limits of $1,000,000 or more.
What is on the Nevada Construction Management Survey (CMS) exam?
The CMS Business & Law exam has 60 scored questions and requires 45 correct (75%) to pass; it is open book. Applicants must show four years of relevant experience within the last fifteen years. NASCLA is not accepted in Nevada.
How does Nevada protect residential customers?
Nevada maintains a Residential Recovery Fund, and lien law (NRS 108) requires a Notice of Right to Lien within 31 days. Nevada has no personal or corporate income tax but does impose the Modified Business Tax.
Sources: https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com