Massachusetts Law About Home Improvement
Massachusetts Laws
- MGL c.142A: Regulation of Home Improvement Contractors
Massachusetts Regulations
- 201 CMR 14: Home Improvement Contractor Arbitration and Guaranty Fund
- 201 CMR 18: Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Forms
Massachusetts Home Improvement Sample Contract, Mass. Office of Consumer Affairs. "This CONTRACT satisfies all basic requirements of the state's Home Improvement Contractor Law (MGL c. 142A), but does not preclude parties from adding language to protect their specific interests."
Other Web Resources
The Attorney General's Consumer Guide to Home Improvement, Mass. Attorney General. "Your Best Protection is to avoid home improvement problems in the first place, wherever possible, by being actively involved in every step of your project, from the initial planning to the finished product, and by knowing and asserting your legal rights. This guide is intended to help you through this important process."
Home Improvement Contracting, Mass. Office of Consumer Affairs. Site has information for contractors and for consumers, including forms to register, forms to file a complaint, explanation of the law, a method to check a contractor's registration and more.
Home Improvement Law, Small Claims Advisory Service. Explains the Mass. Home Improvement Contractor Law (MGL c.142A) which provides relief if you are the victim of a deceptive contractor.
How to Be Your Own Contractor & Save Thousands on Your New House or Renovation While Keeping Your Day Job, Atlantic Publishing, 2008. Book covers working with subcontractors, financing and more, with whole chapters on kitchens and bathrooms. Requires Library Card for access.
Work Requiring a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration or a Construction Supervisor License (CSL), Mass. Office of Consumer Affairs. Table lists jobs with guidance as to whether or not a license is necessary.
Print Sources
The Home Improvement Contractor Act: Building Your Case, MCLE, 2005.
Standard Form Construction Contract Documents, MCLE, 2008.