Quarterly Column by Paul Leclerc

Home Sweet Home Improvements - A Consumer Guide

Why Use a registered Contractor?
You’ve heard of “licensed contractors, but what is a registered contractor” and why is it important to you to always do business with a contractor who is registered?

Since July 1, 1992, most remodeling contractors that perform work on one to four family owner-occupied dwellings have been required by law to be registered with the state under the Home Improvement Contractor Program (MGL 142A). Since many non-structural home improvements do not required that the work be supervised by a licensed contractor, there was a gap in accountability for sub-standard workmanship and unscrupulous business practices. Registration helps to fill that accountability gap by providing several key requirements that help to prevent the consumer from these types of injustices.

What Should I do?

The Home Improvement Contractor Registration Program is NOT a substitute for being a good consumer! When selecting a contractor for your project, you should make sure that you’re dealing with reputable contractors by obtaining:

1. References: Ask the contractor to show you examples of similar work
2. Licensing:If the project is of a structural nature, ask to see the license
3. Insurance:Ask the contractor to give you proof of insurance
4. Competitive Bids: Make sure everyone has the same specifications and remember… the lowest price is not always the best bid.

After you have selected a properly registered, licensed and insured contractor to do the work, there are several aspects of the HIC Program designed for your protection.

Written contracts are required by law for any remodeling work with the value of $1,000 or more. The written contract should contain the following:

1. The total price for the work
2. A payment schedule*
   
3. Starting and completion dates (approximately)
   
4. Detailed specifications and materials for the work to be performed
   
5. A provision for changes or extras
   
6. Proof of contractor’s insurance
   
7. Any other details particular to your job

* By law, the contractor is limited to collect one-third of the contract price in advance, unless special order or custom materials are needed.

Legal advice? For larger more complicated projects you may wish to have the contract reviewed by your attorney…. Before you sign it!

Be sure the contractor obtains the building permit! Homeowners that get the permit themselves are NOT eligible for the state Guarantee Fund.

Dealing with a registered contractor, you may be eligible for hearing under the Home Improvement Arbitration Program, in case of a dispute. Also, you are only eligible to recover any losses from the state Guarantee Fund if you use a registered contractor.

Now you know what a registered contractor is and why it’s in your best interest to use one, don’t hesitate to ask your contractor for copies of his/her contractor’s license and registration cards.

For further information, or a booklet about the law, call or write to:

The Division of Consumer Affairs
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-7780