How to Select and Pre-screen a Home Improvement Contractor

Brought to you by: Massachusetts Federation of Building Officials Inset Community Name

Goal Assisting senior citizens to remain safe and independent as they choose to stay in their homes Help find and pre-screen contractors that; provide basic home renovations maintenance adaptive services

How to find a contractor 1) check with your local Chamber of Commerce 2) check with the Better Business Bureau 3) check with friends and relatives for personal contractor recommendations

Step 1 Decide precisely what you need to have done

Step 2 When interviewing a contractor follow these steps Contact at least three contractors Communicate your ideas Get written estimates

Step 3 Contractor check list Contractors must be registered with The Attorney General’s Office as a Home Improvement Contractor Must have the appropriate Contractor’s Supervisors License for the work to be done: Issued by the Department of Public Safety Always ask for: 1) Copies of the contractors Construction Supervisors License 2) HIC (home improvement contractor) registration 3) Insurance affidavits

Step 3 continued Check to make sure the information given is valid Check for complaints against contractor: by contacting the following agencies The Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Home Improvement: resources/home-improvement-contract DPS Construction Supervisor License Look-Up: Better Business Bureau

Step 4 Always ask for and call references Ask to see past work Be wary of contractor’s bid who seem too low or too high Always ask to explain his or her bid Never hire anyone with whom you feel uncomfortable

Step 5 Contractors must have the appropriate Insurance coverages (you want to protect your assets) Workman’s compensation policy for their employees Personal liability insurance

Step 6 Any work over $1,000 requires a contract between the property owner and the contractor The contract should have at least: The Contractors HIC Registration Number & registered business name Total Price of project Detailed description of the work to be performed Detailed payment schedule Signatures and dates of both parties involved All change orders that modify the contract must be written and signed by both parties

Step 7 Under Mass General Law 142A section 2: “Contractors are required to apply for all building permits which are subject to The Home Improvement Registration Law” A contractor must apply for and receive a building permit before any work begins. Contractor should not be asking Homeowners to apply for building permits in there own name.

Step 8 Tips on payment terms Contractors cannot demand more then 1/3 of the contract price as a deposit unless the project involves a special order or custom made material Avoid situations where payment exceeds the work performed, structure payments with performance benchmarks Contractors cannot require the final payment before the project is completed to your satisfaction Make sure your local Building Department has signed off on your project before making final payment

Step 9 Maintain a folder to hold all documentation regarding your project Notes Phone conversations with dates Payments Change orders Photographs All communication

Step 10 If you have a question or a problem with a contractor: The Attorney General’s Office oversees local consumer groups who may be able help resolve disputes between you and the contractor without any addition cost to you. Call the Elder Consumer Hotline at to see if you qualify for mediation or arbitration

Any questions, or need more information, contact your local Building Department