Massachusetts Building Law, Home Improvement Contractor Registration & the Guaranty Fund
A Massachusetts builder must understand both the CSL under M.G.L. c.143 and the separate Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration under M.G.L. c.142A. This chapter covers the CSL/HIC distinction, the required residential-contract terms, and the Guaranty Fund.
Two credentials: the CSL and the HIC registration
Massachusetts separates the technical license from the business registration. The CSL (M.G.L. c.143) licenses the individual who supervises code-regulated construction. The Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration (M.G.L. c.142A) registers the business or person who contracts with a homeowner for residential improvements to an existing one-to-four-family owner-occupied dwelling. Most residential remodelers need both: a CSL to pull permits and supervise the work, and an HIC registration to sign the homeowner contract. Confusing the two is a common error the exam tests.
Required residential contract terms (M.G.L. c.142A)
For home-improvement work over a set dollar threshold, M.G.L. c.142A requires a written contract signed by both parties that includes the contractor's name, address, and registration number, the total price and payment schedule, start and completion dates, a description of the work and materials, and required notices about the buyer's cancellation rights and the Guaranty Fund. Deposits are limited by law. A contract that omits these terms exposes the contractor to penalties and can limit the contractor's remedies, so the required terms are heavily tested.
The Residential Contractors' Guaranty Fund
M.G.L. c.142A establishes a Residential Contractors' Guaranty Fund financed by HIC registration fees. A homeowner who wins an arbitration award or court judgment against a registered contractor, but cannot collect it, may apply to the Guaranty Fund for reimbursement up to the statutory limit per transaction. The fund covers only work performed by registered contractors, which is a strong incentive for homeowners to hire registered businesses and for contractors to maintain their HIC registration. The CSL alone does not provide this consumer remedy — the HIC registration does.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS), Department of Public Safety
- Prelicensing education
- At least 3 years (36 months) of relevant experience within the past ten years
- Passing score
- 70%
- Scored questions
- 75
- Time limit
- 180 minutes
Does Massachusetts require a state contractor license?
Yes. Massachusetts issues the Construction Supervisor License (CSL) under M.G.L. c.143 and the State Building Code (780 CMR). A CSL is required to supervise construction of buildings under 35,000 cubic feet of enclosed space, and of any one- and two-family dwelling regardless of size.
What is on the Massachusetts Unrestricted CSL exam?
The Unrestricted CSL exam is 75 questions, 180 minutes, open book, and requires 70% to pass. Applicants must document at least three years of relevant experience within the past ten years and apply within one year of passing.
What is the difference between a CSL and an HIC registration?
The CSL governs building supervision, while the separate Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration under M.G.L. c.142A governs residential remodeling contracts and the Guaranty Fund. Unrestricted CSL continuing education is 12 hours per two-year cycle.
Sources: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-building-regulations-and-standards