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Home Improvement Contractor

Are you a home improvement contractor? Make sure you're registered.

If you’re a contractor, partnership, or corporation working on residential properties in Massachusetts, it’s important to know the law. Any business that solicits, bids on, or performs residential contracting work on existing one- to four-unit owner-occupied homes must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the state.

This registration helps protect homeowners and ensures that contractors meet minimum standards for doing business. Whether you’re replacing a roof, remodeling a kitchen, or building a deck, make sure your HIC registration is up to date before starting any work.

The HIC law was created in 1992 to protect consumers and regulate business practices. It includes:

  • A mandatory registration program

  • A state-run arbitration program for resolving disputes

  • The Guaranty Fund, which may compensate homeowners up to $25,000 for unpaid judgments against registered contractors

Fees

To apply, contractors must pay a $150 registration fee and make a mandatory contribution to the Guaranty Fund. The contribution varies based on the size of the company: 

  • 0 to 3 employees: $100
  • 4 to 10 employees: $200
  • 11 to 30 employees: $300
  • More than 30 employees: $500
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