In Massachusetts, a handyman is required to register with the state as a Home Improvement Contractor if doing jobs that cost more than $500 apiece or if your gross revenue exceeded $5,000 in the last 12 months. However, you don’t need to register if you’re doing small jobs and not making over $5,000 a year.
Do You Need a License to Work as a Handyman in Massachusetts?
A handyman in Massachusetts must register with the state to take on jobs in excess of $500 or to earn more than $5,000 a year. Here’s what you need to know about the main requirements:
Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration: You’ll need this registration if you work on someone’s home (specifically, owner-occupied houses with one to four units) and the job costs more than a certain amount.
Construction Supervisor License (CSL): This comes into play for bigger projects that involve changing a building’s structure. If you’re doing this kind of work, you’ll either need a CSL yourself or work under someone who has one.
You might not need a specific license if you’re sticking to minor home repairs and you’re steering clear of structural changes or specialized work like complex electrical or plumbing jobs. However, once your projects start getting bigger or more expensive, Massachusetts law typically requires at least a HIC registration.
What Can a Handyman Not Do In Massachusetts?
Since handymen often work across different areas, from basic electrical to simple plumbing and carpentry, it’s important to know when a job needs a licensed specialist instead.
Here’s what you can’t do:
- Rewire houses or do major electrical work
- Install new plumbing systems or modify existing ones
- Make structural changes to buildings
- Take on projects requiring tall ladders or scaffolding
- Perform work that requires specialized licensing
Understanding HIC Registration vs. Licensing
Unlike trade licenses, which require passing exams to prove expertise, registering as a Home Improvement Contractor is more straightforward. It essentially tells Massachusetts, “Here’s who I am, how I run my business, and yes, I follow the rules that protect homeowners.”
Massachusetts oversees this process through the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation’s HIC Program.
You must register if you work on existing homes and your project costs more than $500, counting both materials and labor or if your gross revenue has been more than $5,000 in the last 12 months.
While you might be able to handle the occasional small job without it, registering for your HIC is a smart move if you regularly take on bigger projects.
Registration as a Home Improvement Contractor
In Massachusetts, all handymen must register as Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) with the state’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Here’s what this entails:
- Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old to register.
- Registration process: You can register as an individual, proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. If you’re using a trade name, you’ll need to provide a valid copy of your business certificate.
- Insurance: While general liability insurance isn’t required for HIC registration, it’s still recommended. If you perform work as a construction supervisor, liability insurance is required. Workers’ compensation insurance is also required if you have employees.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose Your Registration Method
- Online: Access the official registration portal
- Mail: Download and complete the paper registration form
- In-person: Visit the Boston office (1000 Washington Street, Suite 710)
Step 2: Prepare Your Payment
The registration fee is $150 for a two-year license. There’s also a mandatory contribution to the Guaranty Fund, which varies based on the number of employees:
- 0 to 3 workers: $100
- 4 to 10 workers: $200
- 11 to 30 workers: $300
- More than 30 workers: $500
Step 3: Submit Your Application
For online registration:
- Create an account or log in
- Fill out the form
- Pay by credit card
- Submit your supporting documents
For mail-in registration:
- Complete the paper form
- Gather all supporting documents
- Include your certified bank check/money order
- Mail everything to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
For in-person registration:
- Visit during office hours: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday (10:00 AM–3:00 PM)
- Bring your completed application, documentation, and payment
Step 4: Maintain Your Registration
- Registration lasts 2 years
- Renewal fee is $100
- Report any business changes to the office
Need help? Call (617) 973-8787 to check your application status or ask questions.
Tip: Double-check that you have all the required documents before submitting. Incomplete applications will be returned, which can delay your registration.
Work Allowed Without a License
With HIC registration, you can:
- Take jobs and work on homes with one to four living units.
- Work as the main contractor or subcontractor on these jobs.
However, there are limitations:
- You cannot perform significant demolition or construction work that impacts the structural integrity of a building. For example, you can add new floor tiles but can’t change the floor structure underneath.
Things You Cannot Do
Specialized work: Certain types of work always require additional licensing:
- Electrical work: Only master or journeyman electricians can perform electrical work beyond simple repairs or replacements.
- Plumbing work: Only licensed plumbers can alter or install new plumbing systems. Minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet are generally allowed.
- HVAC: Installation or major repairs require a specialized license.
Local Requirements for Handymen
Massachusetts keeps things relatively straightforward when it comes to handyman regulations. While the state requires Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration, you won’t find separate county or city-level handyman licenses.
However, local rules can still affect your work. Here’s what you need to know:
Boston
The city requires business registration through the clerk’s office and building permits for most structural work. Boston’s historic districts have particularly strict rules about exterior changes.
Worcester
You’ll need to register your business name with the city clerk if using a DBA, and the Department of Inspectional Services handles permits. They follow standard state guidelines without adding extra handyman-specific requirements.
Cambridge
If you’re operating under a business name different from yours, you must register with the Cambridge City Clerk. You’ll deal with the city’s Inspectional Services Department for work permits, which enforces building codes.
Cambridge takes special care of its historic neighborhoods. If you work in these areas, you may need additional approvals for any design changes, even minor ones.
Island Communities
Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket have their own considerations:
- Each town on the Vineyard handles its own permits and inspections
- Nantucket is especially strict about preserving historic character
- Both islands follow state-level contractor rules but may have additional requirements for building permits
Start Your Career Today
People value their time more than ever, which is why so many turn over their household maintenance and repair jobs to a handyman. So if you have the skills, there’s money to be made. Home Gnome gives handymen an edge by connecting you with jobs in your area, saving you time and money and letting you focus on the work. Sign up now.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Sergii Pavlovskyi / Adobe Stock / License created using Canva Pro
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