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:
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A mandatory registration program
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A state-run arbitration program for resolving disputes
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The Guaranty Fund, which may compensate homeowners up to $25,000 for unpaid judgments against registered contractors
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Still have questions? Contact:
Inspectional Services
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1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th FloorBoston, MA 02118
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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Still have questions? Contact:
Inspectional Services
-
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
5th FloorBoston, MA 02118
