Massachusetts gives you two numbers to check before you hire anyone to build a garage: a construction supervisor licence and, for work on an existing owner-occupied home, a home improvement contractor registration. The checks below apply to any builder you talk to. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does a garage builder need a license in Massachusetts?
Yes. On one and two-family homes and their accessory buildings, including garages, a licensed construction supervisor or a registered design professional must oversee the work under the state's construction supervisor rules (780 CMR R5). The restricted licence covers one and two-family homes and their accessory buildings; the unrestricted licence covers more. Work on most existing owner-occupied homes of one to four units also requires the contractor to register in the state's Home Improvement Contractor program. Massachusetts does not recognize out-of-state contractor licences.
How do I check a contractor's license in Massachusetts?
Look up the licence on the state's license check on mass.gov. Ask the builder for the construction supervisor licence number and the home improvement contractor registration number, then search each one. The state's home improvement guide also suggests checking for complaints or arbitration cases against a contractor before you hire. The name on the licence should match the person who will supervise your job.
What insurance should a garage builder carry?
Ask for general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, and have the certificate sent to you by the insurance company, not handed over by the contractor. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, the cost can fall on you. Registration with the home improvement program is separate from insurance.
How much deposit can a garage builder take in Massachusetts?
Under the home improvement contractor law, a deposit cannot exceed one third of the total contract price, with a separate allowance for special-order materials. The state's guide says contracts over $1,000 must be in writing. Pay deposits by check or card, not cash, and tie later payments to finished stages such as the foundation, the frame and the final inspection.
What should a garage contract include?
A garage contract should include the names and addresses of both sides, the contractor's licence and registration numbers, a full description of the work and materials, the total price, the payment schedule, start and finish dates, who pulls the permits, and how changes are priced. The state publishes the terms a home improvement contract must contain. Add who removes the old garage and how ledge is billed.
Should I hire a garage specialist or a general contractor?
Either can do the job if they hold the right licence and have built garages before. A general contractor who mostly does kitchens may sub out the foundation and framing; a builder who does garages often knows the frost, snow and setback questions well. For a garage with an apartment, ask about their work on living space, plumbing and fire separation.
How many quotes should I get?
Get two or three quotes from builders who have all seen the lot. More quotes rarely help if they price different jobs. Give each builder the same list: size, doors, power, demolition, slab, roof and finish, so you can compare line by line.
What are the red flags when hiring a garage builder?
These are the red flags to watch for:
- No construction supervisor licence or no home improvement registration.
- A deposit above one third of the price, or a demand for cash.
- A price given over the phone without seeing the lot.
- Advice to skip the permit.
- No written contract, or one with no dates.
- No proof of insurance from the insurer.
- Pressure to sign the same day.
How do I find a good garage builder near me?
To find a good builder, start with recent reviews from local jobs, then check the licence and registration, ask for insurance certificates and get a written quote after a site visit. A builder who asks about your setbacks, frost depth, snow load and the old garage's slab is thinking about your lot, not just a price.
Who should pull the permit, the builder or me?
Let the licensed builder pull it. Under the state's construction supervisor rules, a homeowner who takes the permit under the homeowner exemption acts as the supervisor of the job. That puts the responsibility for the work on you.
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. Call or text (617) 326-7524 to set up a free visit. We look at the lot, the driveway and any old garage, then put the scope and price in a written quote. We work in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, Medford, Malden, Watertown, Dedham, Milton and Waltham.