Boston's housing stock — triple-deckers, colonials, Victorians, and brownstones — requires contractors with experience in older construction. Here's how to find reliable contractors in Boston.
Where to look: TimeFotos Boston directory at /l/boston-ma-us/businesses. Verified contractors display a badge.
Massachusetts licensing: Check the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) for Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration — required for most residential work in Massachusetts. Trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, gas fitting) are issued by separate boards.
Boston-specific: Lead paint is common in pre-1978 housing. Electrical work in older homes often involves knob-and-tube or 60-amp panels. Look for contractors with documented experience on older Boston housing types.