Homeowner Guides
How to Hire a Contractor in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has some of the strictest contractor rules in the country, which is good news for homeowners. Following this checklist keeps you protected on any renovation, from a small bathroom refresh to a full home addition.
Verify the Home Improvement Contractor registration
Any contractor doing residential work on an existing home in Massachusetts must hold a valid HIC registration. You can look up registrations for free on the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation website. If the contractor cannot give you their HIC number in seconds, walk away.
Confirm the Construction Supervisor License
For structural work, additions, and most permitted projects, the person supervising the job needs a Construction Supervisor License, or CSL. Ask for the CSL number and the name it is registered under, and verify it matches the person actually running your project.
Ask for insurance certificates
You want to see general liability of at least $1 million and current workers compensation coverage. Ask the insurer to email the certificate directly to you so you know it is real and active.
Get a written contract with a clear scope
Massachusetts law requires a written contract for any home improvement job over $1,000. It should include scope, materials, allowances, payment schedule, start and end dates, permit responsibility, and a three day right of cancellation. Never sign a contract that ties payments to a calendar date rather than milestones.
Red flags to watch for
Warning signs that a contractor is not the right fit for your project:
- Large deposit requests above one third of the total price
- Cash only pricing or pressure to skip permits
- No physical office address or verifiable references
- Bids far below every other quote you received
- Verbal agreements to change the scope without a written change order
