Home MaintenanceSeptember 29, 2026
Fall Drainage Checklist for New England Homes
Discover a fall drainage checklist for New England homes: clean gutters, disconnect sewer-tied downspouts, follow BWSC stormwater guidance, and prep for winter.
The Tavlee Blog
Hire with confidence
Practical, plain-spoken guidance for homeowners: verify a contractor's license, avoid scams and unlicensed work, read reviews critically, and hire the right pro.
Hiring a ContractorSeptember 27, 2026
Hiring a Home Inspector in New England: Fall 2026 Guide
Hiring a home inspector in New England this fall? Learn how to verify a license in each state, read the report, and build a repair plan with licensed pros.
Costs & BudgetingSeptember 25, 2026
No-Cost Home Energy Assessment: A Fall Budget Guide
Discover what a no-cost home energy assessment gets you in New England. Learn how Mass Save, NHSaves, and Rhode Island Energy sequence free installs, insulation offers, and heat pump rebates.
Local Home NewsSeptember 23, 2026
Federal Home Energy Rebates Reach New England: 2026 Update
Rhode Island launched the $32M federal HOMES rebate program on September 23, 2026. See what's live now across New England, from HEAR and NHSaves to Mass Save, and how to get ready.
Home MaintenanceSeptember 21, 2026
Chimney & Heating Fire Safety: A New England Checklist
Chimney and heating fire safety made easy: an upbeat first-fire checklist for New England homeowners. Learn what to inspect, clean, and who to call this winter.
Licensing & PermitsSeptember 19, 2026
Who Pulls the Permit for a New Water Heater or Boiler?
Learn who pulls the permit when you replace a water heater or boiler in New England, why it's your built-in inspection, and how to verify a licensed pro fast.
Avoiding ScamsSeptember 17, 2026
Pay a New England Contractor With Confidence
Learn how New England homeowners can pay a contractor with confidence using each state's deposit limits, written-contract rules, and payment protections.
Hiring a ContractorSeptember 15, 2026
Hiring a Roofer in New England: Which Credential to Ask
Hiring a roofer in New England this fall? Learn which credential to ask for in each state, the roof questions every bidder should answer, and how to verify.
Costs & BudgetingSeptember 13, 2026
New England Insulation Budgets: Fall 2026 Savings Guide
Plan your New England insulation and air-sealing budget for fall 2026: free energy assessments, state rebates, how to read a quote, and your real cost.
Home MaintenanceSeptember 11, 2026
Fall Exterior Prep: A Freeze-Ready Home Checklist
Discover a September fall exterior prep checklist for MA, NH, and RI homeowners: clear gutters, book heating and chimney pros, protect pipes, and seal drafts.
Local Home NewsSeptember 9, 2026
Tavlee's First Month: 3200 visitors, 1500 pros discovered, and a Thank You
A month ago we opened Tavlee to the public with one goal: to be the absolute best way to find trusted contractors and to always display the truth to the homeowner. Thirty days in, here's what happened - with the numbers.
Licensing & PermitsSeptember 7, 2026
Verify a Contractor License: MA, NH & RI Lookups
Learn how to verify a contractor license in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island using each state official lookup, plus what an active status means.
Local Home NewsSeptember 5, 2026
Winter Electric Rates 2026: New England Homeowner Guide
Discover how New England 2026 winter electric supply rates affect MA, NH and RI homeowners, plus smart September steps to weatherize and save this season.
Hiring a ContractorSeptember 3, 2026
Compare Fall Bids and Contracts: MA, NH & RI Guide
Learn how New England homeowners compare fall project bids apples to apples and lock in solid written contracts under MA, NH, and RI contractor rules.
Costs & BudgetingSeptember 1, 2026
Heat Pump Budgeting 2026: Stack New England Rebates
Learn how Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island homeowners can stack heat pump rebates in fall 2026 and read a quote before heating season.
Home MaintenanceAugust 30, 2026
Book Your Heating Tune-Up Now: Boston Fall Checklist
Book your heating system tune-up now before the fall rush. A Boston homeowner early-fall checklist covering DOE maintenance, Mass Save, licenses, and heat pump rates.
Licensing & PermitsAugust 28, 2026
CSL vs HIC in Massachusetts: Which One Your Job Needs
Learn the difference between a Massachusetts CSL and HIC registration, why many fall renovations need both, and how to verify each contractor before you sign.
Avoiding ScamsAugust 26, 2026
Storm Repair Contractors: How Boston Homeowners Hire Smart
Learn how Boston homeowners vet storm-repair contractors: FTC red flags, MGL c.142A protections, HIC registration, and the up-to-$25,000 Guaranty Fund.
Costs & BudgetingAugust 24, 2026
Massachusetts Heat Pump Rebates 2026: Budget Smart This Fall
Learn how to budget a Massachusetts heat pump this fall: Mass Save 2026 rebates up to $8,500, new seasonal winter rates, and why late summer quotes pay off.
Hiring a ContractorAugust 22, 2026
Boston Sept 1 Moving Day: Book a Great Licensed Mover
Booking a mover for Boston's September 1 moving day? Learn how to reserve a truck parking permit, verify DPU licensing, and check FMCSA for interstate moves.
Local Home NewsAugust 20, 2026
East Boston Water Main Break: What Homeowners Should Know
After the East Boston water main break, learn how BWSC repairs mains, clears discolored water, and helps homeowners replace private lead service lines.
Home MaintenanceAugust 18, 2026
Basement Flood Prevention: Boston Homeowner's Playbook
Learn simple basement flood prevention steps for Greater Boston homeowners: protect drains, prep for sewer backups, and hire licensed, well-reviewed local pros.
Licensing & PermitsAugust 16, 2026
Verify a Licensed MA Electrician: A Homeowner's Guide
Learn how to verify and hire a licensed Massachusetts electrician through the Board of State Examiners of Electricians and the official state license registry.
Home MaintenanceAugust 14, 2026
Burst Pipes: A Boston Homeowner's Prevention Guide
Learn how Boston homeowners and renters can prevent burst pipes, respond fast to water damage, and hire licensed, reviewed plumbers with confidence.
Home MaintenanceAugust 12, 2026
Don't Flush 'Flushable' Wipes: Protect Your Drains
Learn why flushable wipes clog drains and sewer lines, plus easy homeowner habits and how to find licensed, reviewed Boston-area drain pros with confidence.
Licensing & PermitsAugust 10, 2026
MA Homeowner Protections: Hire Contractors With Confidence
Discover the Massachusetts homeowner protections that make hiring easy: the HIC program, Guaranty Fund, and quick trade license lookups. Learn how to hire with confidence.
Local Home NewsAugust 8, 2026
Tavlee Is Live in Greater Boston
A place where homeowners come to find clarity on who to trust — now covering Boston, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
Home MaintenanceAugust 6, 2026
Drain Camera Inspections & Hydro Jetting: A Homeowner Guide
Discover how camera inspections and hydro jetting make drain care faster and cleaner, plus how Boston homeowners can find and verify a great licensed plumber.
Avoiding ScamsAugust 4, 2026
MassHousing Grant Case: Verify Work Before You Pay
A MassHousing sprinkler grant case shows why Massachusetts homeowners should verify licenses and inspect work before paying. Learn how to protect your money.
Licensing & PermitsAugust 2, 2026
MA Zoning Variance Reform: What Homeowners Should Know
Massachusetts is shifting its zoning variance test from "substantial hardship" to "practical difficulty." Learn what it means for your project and how to hire safely.
Local Home NewsJuly 31, 2026
Massachusetts ADU Incentive Program: A Homeowner's Guide
Discover how the Massachusetts ADU Incentive Program funds feasibility studies, plus how to verify contractors and compare bids before building an ADU.
Home MaintenanceJuly 29, 2026
Backflow Preventer Theft: Protect Your Property in Boston
Backflow preventer theft causes thousands in water damage. Learn how Boston property owners can deter thieves and hire verified, state-licensed plumbers.
Local Home NewsJuly 27, 2026
After a House Fire in Boston: Rebuild the Right Way
Recovering from a Dorchester or Savin Hill house fire? Learn how to handle permits, insurance, and hiring licensed contractors while avoiding scams.
Hiring a ContractorJuly 25, 2026
HVAC & Plumbing Roll-Ups: How Boston Buyers Vet Right
Private equity is buying Boston HVAC and plumbing brands. Learn how to verify the licensed entity behind a familiar name and hire with confidence.
Hiring a ContractorJuly 23, 2026
Boston Heat Pump Pilot: A Homeowner's Hiring Guide
Considering a heat pump in Greater Boston? Learn how to hire a licensed HVAC contractor, size the system right, verify credentials, and pull the right permits.
Home MaintenanceJuly 21, 2026
MA Sewer Failures: What Homeowners Must Know Now
Massachusetts sewer failures in Haverhill and Lynn show homeowners' backup risk. Learn about private sewer laterals and when to call a licensed plumber.
Licensing & PermitsJuly 19, 2026
Verify a Contractor's License in MA: Homeowner Guide
Learn how Massachusetts homeowners can verify a contractor's license before hiring: which state board licenses each trade, what HIC covers, and where to check.
Hiring a ContractorJuly 17, 2026
Second Locations & Faster Sewer Response: What to Know
Sewer and drain companies are opening second locations for faster response. Learn how to compare contractors on response time, camera inspections, and pricing.
Avoiding ScamsJuly 15, 2026
West Hollywood Water Main Break: Flood Cleanup Lessons
Discover what the West Hollywood water main break teaches Boston homeowners about flood cleanup, aging pipes, and hiring licensed, verified contractors.
Home MaintenanceJuly 13, 2026
Milwaukee Sewer Clog & Bay View Flooding: Greater Boston Lessons
Learn what Milwaukee's hidden CSO sewer clog and Bay View flooding mean for Boston homeowners, plus inspections, backwater valves, and how to protect your basement.
Hiring a ContractorJuly 11, 2026
24/7 Emergency Plumbing: How to Vet a Pro First
Learn how to vet a 24/7 emergency plumber before a crisis: response times, license verification, and upfront pricing tips for Greater Boston homeowners.
Home MaintenanceJuly 9, 2026
Water Jetting for Stubborn Drains: A Greater Boston Guide
Discover how high-pressure water jetting clears stubborn drain and sewer clogs, and learn how Boston homeowners can hire a verified, licensed pro with confidence.
Hiring a ContractorJuly 6, 2026
How to Read Contractor Reviews Before You Hire
Learn how to spot fake reviews, weigh negative feedback, and pair review research with Massachusetts license verification before hiring a home contractor.
Home MaintenanceJuly 3, 2026
Mid-Summer Home Maintenance Checklist for Greater Boston Homeowners
Discover the essential mid-summer home maintenance checklist for Greater Boston homeowners: AC upkeep, gutters, deck care, and how to hire a licensed contractor safely.
Avoiding ScamsJune 30, 2026
Post-Flood Contractor Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Post-flood contractor scams are surging across the Gulf Coast and beyond. Learn the red flags, verification steps, and reporting options to protect your home.
Costs & BudgetingJune 27, 2026
MA Home Improvement Contracts: What the Law Requires
Learn what Massachusetts law requires in home improvement contracts, including deposit limits and written-contract rules, to protect yourself before hiring a contractor.
Local Home NewsJune 24, 2026
Massachusetts Homeowner Rights Under MGL c. 142A Explained
Learn your Massachusetts homeowner rights under MGL c. 142A - required contracts, registration checks, and steps to take if a contractor defrauds you.
Hiring a ContractorJune 20, 2026
Contractor Insurance, Bonding & Warranties: What to Ask
Learn what contractor insurance, bonding, and workmanship warranties actually protect you from, and get the exact proof to request before signing anything.
Costs & BudgetingJune 16, 2026
How to Compare Contractor Estimates and Spot Hidden Costs
Learn how to compare contractor estimates, read a quote line by line, and spot lowball bids or hidden costs before you sign. Practical steps for Boston homeowners.
Avoiding ScamsJune 10, 2026
Protect Older Homeowners from Driveway and Door-to-Door Scams
Learn how to protect older homeowners from driveway paving and door-to-door contractor scams with verified license checks, written contracts, and red-flag warnings.
Hiring a ContractorJune 3, 2026
When a Contractor Job Goes Wrong in Massachusetts
Learn how to use the Massachusetts Guaranty Fund, file a contractor complaint, and pursue small claims when a home improvement job goes wrong. Practical steps inside.
Local Home NewsMay 27, 2026
MA AG Enforcement: What Greater Boston Homeowners Must Know
Learn how Massachusetts AG enforcement actions target contractor fraud - and the concrete steps Boston homeowners can take to verify licenses and avoid scams.
Licensing & PermitsMay 20, 2026
Building Permits in MA: Why They Protect Homeowners
Learn how building permits and inspections protect Massachusetts homeowners, and why unpermitted work puts your home, insurance, and money at serious risk.
Avoiding ScamsMay 13, 2026
How to Spot and Avoid Contractor Scams in Massachusetts
Learn how Massachusetts homeowners can spot contractor scams, verify licenses, and protect their money with concrete steps backed by real fraud cases.
Licensing & PermitsMay 6, 2026
Verify a Massachusetts Contractor's License Before You Hire
Learn how to verify a Massachusetts contractor's HIC registration and Construction Supervisor License before hiring. Protect your home and money with these steps.