What you need to know about remodeling and building in Massachusetts
Licenses
Massachusetts requires all general contractors and their field supervisors to be licensed and the company to be registered under Chapter 142a Home Improvement Contractor Registration laws. Current licenses and registration numbers may be verified online at http://mass.gov.
Permits
Massachusetts requires permits for building projects, even for smaller jobs such as decks. A professional contractor will obtain all permits. If a contractor asks a homeowner to obtain a permit, he may not be licensed or registered.
Subcontractors
All of Project Plus Builders subcontractors have current insurance coverage and licenses. During our initial stages, the homeowner will be introduced to each trade contractor, most of whom are long time partners of PPB.
Insurance
All Massachusetts contractors are required to carry general liability insurance and worker's compensation. The general liability policy should carry limits of not less than one to two million dollars. Ask for copies of insurance certificates and check that they are current. If a contractor does not carry the appropriate insurance, a homeowner could be held liable for injuries and damages that occur during a project.
Project management
Project Plus Builders employs a "Lead Carpenter" model of management. A Project Manager, who is a master craftsman, is the homeowner's primary contact throughout the entire project.
Project Schedule
Project Plus Builders is committed to staying on schedule, finishing in a timely manner. Homeowners receive a detailed schedule to monitor progress.
Payment Schedule
A payment schedule is provided that notes when milestone payments are due. This prevents surprises and delays in the project's progress.
Warranty
Project Plus Builders stands behind its work with a Five Year Limited Warranty, in writing, within the contract.
Job Site
Project Plus Builders employees and subcontractors are trained to treat a home as if it were their own. While no one can promise that a home will be 100% dust free 100% of the time, dust curtains are employed to seal off the area under construction. Floors are covered with protective materials specific to the type of floor. Work areas are swept at the end of each work day. At the end of the project, maid service is provided for the work area.
