Hiring Commercial Property Services Providers in Kentucky

Commercial real estate services in Kentucky start with verifying the right credentials in a state that licenses trades but leaves most general contracting to local jurisdictions. Electricians hold a Kentucky Electrical Contractor license, plumbers a Master or Journeyman Plumber card, and HVAC firms a Master HVAC license through the Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction; many cities—including Louisville and Lexington—also register general contractors and require building permits for tenant-improvement or reroof projects. Soft-service vendors must show an active Kentucky business registration; private security firms carry a license from the Board of Licensure for Private Investigators, and landscapers who apply herbicides need a Commercial Applicator credential from the Department of Agriculture. Require at least $2 million general liability for trades and $1 million for routine cleaning or groundskeeping, statutory workers’ compensation, and E&O for architects or energy consultants. Confirm compliance with Kentucky Division of Water storm-water rules and any asbestos or lead-based-paint mandates. Favor vendors with proven results on comparable assets—Bourbon Trail hotels, logistics hubs along I-65, or university multifamily—and call local references before award.