HIRING A GENERAL CONTRACTOR

HIRING A GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Hiring a general contractor is a scary proposition for you are selecting and trusting a stranger to be responsible for building or renovating your house to the highest standards and to act as a custodian of your money, ensuring that purchases are wisely made and subcontracts are carefully considered.

Check out what the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has to say about hiring a contactor.

FIY:

If I don't know any good contractors, can the home inspector or the local building department recommend someone?

No. Due to obvious conflicts of interest, both home inspectors and building departments cannot get involved in the hiring or recommendation of contractors or in any contract disputes. One way to find a good contractor is to ask someone who has recently had similar work done on their home for a recommendation. The Building Department has a list of all permits issued. The owner and contractor are also listed. We suggest that you review this list and if you find a project similar to yours, contact the owner to see if they were happy with the work. Most homeowners are happy to talk about their construction projects. Keep in mind that it is important to check references, but don't rely on references given to you by the contractor.

I understand that if I obtain the building permit, I do not need to be licensed, but if I hire a contractor, does my contractor need a license?

If you are hiring a contractor, they will generally have to hold a Home Improvement Contractor's License and, if doing structural work, will be required to hold a Construction Supervisor's License. If they obtain a building permit, the building department will make certain that they have the proper licenses before issuing the permit. Be wary of a contractor who tries to convince you to obtain the permit as a way around his/her need for a license. These licenses are to protect you. If you would like to verify that your contractor has the required licenses, follow this link to the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards:

Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

RESOURCES FOR HIRING A CONTRACTOR:

MA Attorney General’s Guide To Home Improvement

MA CONSUMER AFFAIRS and BUSINESS REGULATION

Planning a Project and Hiring A Contractor

Home Improvement Checklist

Legal Considerations For Home Improvement Projects

Building A Home

Planning A Project

Look Up A Home Improvement Contractor

Information on Home Improvement

Home Improvement Contract Requirements