Home Improvement Contractors

This series was created to explain the process of becoming and doing business as a registered home improvement contractor.  The five videos describe registration, required contract content and payment terms, advertising and estimating guidelines, contract completion, and the HIC arbitration program.

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation ("OCABR") regulates the registration of contractors performing improvements or renovations on detached one and two family homes. Prior to performing work on such homes, a contractor must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor ("HIC").

CHANGE IN LAW ABOLISHES CSLs HIC REGISTRATION FEE EXEMPTION. As a result of a recent change in law (Section 80 of Chapter 27 of the Acts of 2009), Construction Supervisors Licensees are no longer exempt from the HIC Registration fee. ALL CONTRACTORS, INCLUDING CSLs WHO ARE APPLYING FOR A HIC REGISTRATION MUST PAY A REGISTRATION FEE OF $150.00, AND A GUARANTY FUND FEE. ALL CONTRACTORS RENEWING THEIR REGISTRATION MUST PAY A RENEWAL FEE OF $100.00. All applications, inquiries or suggestions should be mailed to:

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
10 Park Plaza, Suite 5170
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 973-8700

The Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor Act establishes an arbitration program to resolve disputes between homeowners and registered contractors.

by the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety