Hiring a contractor in Greater Boston

Boston's housing stock is old and close together — triple-deckers, brownstones, condo associations, and permits that run through the city's Inspectional Services. These guides cover what each trade costs here, what Massachusetts licenses, and how to vet before you sign.

Licensed at the state level

These trades answer to a Massachusetts licensing board, and the license is checkable. Verify it before anything else — every Tavlee listing already is, against the state registry.

Plumbers

Learn how to hire a plumber in Boston: local costs, Massachusetts license rules, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid before you sign a contract.

Electricians

Hiring an electrician in Boston? Learn local costs, Massachusetts state licensing, permits, knob-and-tube and 100-amp panel realities, and red flags to avoid.

A heat-pump condenser mounted on an exterior wall

HVAC Contractors

Discover how to hire an HVAC contractor in Boston: real costs, Massachusetts licensing and gas-fitting rules, heat pumps vs. boilers, and red flags to avoid.

A technician in protective gear treating a yard

Exterminators

Learn how to hire an exterminator in Boston: what pest control costs, how to verify an MDAR pesticide applicator license, vet companies, and spot red flags.

A magnifying glass over a wooden house model

Home Inspectors

Learn how to hire a home inspector in Boston: costs, Massachusetts licensing, what inspectors check in old homes and condos, and how to choose one you trust.

Registered home-improvement work

Most of this work requires Home Improvement Contractor registration with the state (MGL c.142A) — written contracts, deposits capped at one-third, and the Guaranty Fund if things go wrong.

A roofer fastening shingles with a drill

Roofers

Hiring a roofer in Boston? Learn flat and rubber roof costs, Massachusetts HIC and CSL rules, roof deck permits, how to compare quotes, and storm-chaser red flags.

Interior renovation with exposed beams and framing

General Contractors

Hiring a general contractor in Boston? Learn costs, HIC vs CSL licensing, MGL c.142A deposit rules, ISD permits, triple-decker gut renos, and red flags.

A remodeled bathroom with a freestanding tub and walk-in shower

Bathroom Remodelers

Learn how to hire a bathroom remodeler in Boston: local costs, Massachusetts HIC registration, permits, how to compare bids, and red flags to avoid.

Kitchen Remodelers

Discover how to hire a kitchen remodeler in Boston: costs by scope, Massachusetts HIC registration, licensed trades, permits, contracts, and red flags to avoid.

A white colonial house with black shutters

Window, Siding & Gutter Contractors

Learn how to hire a Boston window, siding, and gutter contractor: real costs, Massachusetts HIC rules, lead-safe requirements, custom-window deposits, and red flags.

Fence Contractors

Hiring a fence contractor in Boston? Learn costs by material, Massachusetts height and permit rules, property lines, Dig Safe, and the red flags to avoid.

A roller laying fresh blue paint on a wall

Painters

Hiring a house painter in Boston? Learn interior and exterior costs, Massachusetts HIC rules, EPA lead-safe requirements, how to compare quotes, and red flags.

A roofline and gutter system under a grey sky

Waterproofing Contractors

Learn what basement waterproofing costs in Boston, how Massachusetts HIC vs. CSL licensing works, interior French drains vs. excavation, and sales red flags.

Carpenters

Learn how to hire a carpenter in Boston: hourly rates, project costs, when Massachusetts requires HIC or CSL credentials, and the red flags to avoid.

No license to check — verify differently

Massachusetts doesn't license these as trades. The guides show what to check instead: insurance certificates, DOT and MDPU numbers, pesticide credentials, and the licensed trades a job can still touch.