Ma | 978.373.2859

NH | 603.891.4777

Email | info@abchomeinspection.com

ABC Serving  Parts of  New Hampshire and Massachusetts Since 1984  ¨A State Licensed Home Inspection Company¨

 Haverhill Life December 2017 article on hiring a contractor in Massachusetts (and New Hampshire) — ideal for homeowners planning renovations or repairs:

🛠️ Hiring a Contractor to Work on Your Home

1. Massachusetts Contractor Licensing

Licensing is required: Most construction work must be supervised by a licensed construction supervisor.
License types:

Unrestricted Supervisor: Can work on any 1–2 family home and buildings under 35,000 cubic feet.
Restricted Supervisor: Limited to 1–2 family homes only.
Specialty Licenses: For roofing, siding, windows/doors, masonry, insulation, wood stoves, demolition, etc.—valid only for those tasks.

✅ Before You Hire a Contractor

Check that the contractor:

Holds the correct and active Massachusetts license for the work.
Has general liability insurance and workers’ compensation for their employees and subcontractors.
Is Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) certified if working on an owner-occupied 1–4 family home.
Uses a written HIC contract (required by law).

📑 The HIC Contract

Must comply with strict legal guidelines—best to have it reviewed by a real estate attorney.
Gives the homeowner access to the $10,000 HIC Guaranty Fund, which helps correct work if a contractor fails to meet their obligations.

⚠️ Important Legal Notes

Never pull a building permit in your name for contractor-performed work. The contractor should pull the permit.
Always obtain the final sign-off from your local building inspector when the work is done.
For homes built before 1978, any contractor disturbing painted surfaces must be certified in lead-safe renovation practices.

Homeowners working on their own single-family house are exempt from this law.

🧱 What About New Hampshire?

No license required for construction supervisors in New Hampshire.
However, permits are still needed for most renovation or construction work.

🔍 Homeowner’s Contractor Checklist

Question

Yes / No

Does the contractor hold the right license?

⬜

Are they insured and covered for workers' comp?

⬜

Is the contractor HIC certified?

⬜

Will they provide a compliant written HIC contract?

⬜

Will they pull the permit—not you?

⬜

Is the home pre-1978 and requires lead-safe work?

⬜

Did you verify final municipal sign-off is required?

⬜

Pro Tip: Ask for copies of the contractor’s licenses and insurance. Verify HIC status and construction supervisor licenses on the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs website.



 

ALL ABOUT HOUSES BY ANDY CONSOLI