Defining Mass contractors:

Massachusetts contractors are individuals that are licensed by the the state Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), which is regulated by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), to provide residential and commercial construction and remodeling services to residents, businesses and state agencies.

HIC and CSL licenses:

There are two types of construction licenses that a contractor can qualify for and obtain in the state of Massachusetts. The first type is the Home Improvement Contractor's license (HIC) and the second is the Construction Supervisor's License (CSL).

The HIC license is the most common construction related license. Any individual or company providing any type of construction or remodeling services in the state is required to have this. There is no test associated with obtaining HIC certification. Any individual or company that is in good standing qualifies for this license. The main purpose of this certification is to provide a means of accountability, through the ability of the state and consumers to file and track complaints about individuals and companies based on their state issued HIC number. This license also allows the holder to apply for and obtain building permits for homeowners, commercial businesses or state agencies for projects that do not entail any structural modifications.

If a contractor has only HIC certification then they are only qualified by the state to be providing services such as siding, roofing or cabinetry, to name a few. They cannot obtain permits for projects like home additions or new home construction. For those types of projects you need to have both an HIC license and a CSL license.

A CSL license is only issued after the individual has passed the state's Construction Supervisor's License examination. This exam tests the applicants knowledge of the Massachusetts Building Code.

CSL licensing is required to obtain permits for projects that will include any type of structural work. Also individuals that are employed in a supervisory role over other individuals engaged in structural construction projects are required to have a CSL.

We are a Mass licensed contractor:

We at Johnson Construction & Remodeling are a Mass licensed contractor and we are happy to provide you with our license information (both HIC and CSL). Although our primary coverage area is the Metrowest, please don't hesitate to request a free estimate from us online regardless of where in Massachusetts you live. We will attempt to assist you with your request in any way possible.

Deal with reputable contractors:

Don't be fooled by disreputable contractors that would otherwise give all professional Massachusetts contractors a bad name. Asking for references and or walking through a job that that they have completed is always a smart move. Call or visit the local Better Business Bureau and check them out. You can also check their license using the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety's website tool here.

Good luck with your new construction or home remodeling project. Please don't hesitate to contact us, if we may be of assistance we will be happy to give advice or a free estimate.