Renovation permits and contractor licences in Massachusetts

Trades that need a licence in Massachusetts

• General contracting and renovation

  No contractor or subcontractor may undertake, offer to undertake or agree to perform residential contracting services without being registered with the approval of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

  Sources:Massachusetts General Laws c.142A §9 – Registration of contractors⁠(opens in a new tab)

• General contracting and renovation

  Residential contracting covers reconstruction, alteration, renovation, repair, modernization, conversion, improvement, removal, demolition and additions to a pre-existing owner-occupied building of one to four dwelling units, so the registration rule follows the type of home rather than the size of the job.

  Sources:Massachusetts General Laws c.142A §1 – Definitions⁠(opens in a new tab)

• Electrical work

  Electricians hold state certificates issued by the examiners, in master, journeyman, systems contractor and systems technician classes. Ask which class the person doing your work holds.

  Sources:Massachusetts General Laws c.141 §3 – State examiners of electricians⁠(opens in a new tab)

• Plumbing

  No one may work as a master or journeyman plumber, or as a gas fitter, unless lawfully registered or licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.

  Sources:Massachusetts General Laws c.142 §3 – Plumbers and gas fitters must be licensed⁠(opens in a new tab)

Before you hire a contractor in Massachusetts

Practical checks you can do yourself, using official tools where they exist.

1. 1

   Check that the contractor is registered before it starts residential work on your home.

   Official lookup: Massachusetts General Laws c.142A §9 – Registration of contractors⁠(opens in a new tab)

2. 2

   Verify a construction supervisor, electrician or plumber licence in the state verification system.

   Official lookup: Massachusetts – Division of Occupational Licensure licence verification⁠(opens in a new tab)

3. 3

   For electrical work, ask which certificate class the electrician holds.

   Official lookup: Massachusetts General Laws c.141 §3 – State examiners of electricians⁠(opens in a new tab)

4. 4

   Ask your city or town's inspector of buildings which permits your project needs before work starts.

   Official lookup: Massachusetts General Laws c.143 §3 – Local inspector of buildings⁠(opens in a new tab)

5. 5

   Confirm the contractor's licence and insurance with your state or county government, and get the work, materials and price in writing.

   Official lookup: FTC – How to avoid a home improvement scam⁠(opens in a new tab)