Helping an elderly family member out while they're getting some repairs done.
One contractor has been reluctant to share material information, such as brand names. I dont think residential contractors have to show a bill of materials, but as a customer, I'd like to compare all the quotes, for instance Guy A could be low because he's carried price for inferior materials. The contractor so far has balked at the request. This concerns me enough where my uncle is all alone and unwell, so I looked the contractor up, and their HIC registration has been expired for over a year, which seemed odd. But then I question if the contractor falls into the catagory of home improvement, where they do i insulation, drywall, paint.
On top of that they're also not registered with any of the professional groups for insulation contractors. ,
Obviously, my red flags are waving, screaming, and setting off alarms, but before we talk further with the contractor, is that field considered Home Improvement?
definition of home improvement contractor in MA
In my own trials and tribulations with contractors in MA, I've always found the Division of Professional Licensure to be helpful and open to answering questions, both general and about specific contractors. ((617) 727-3074) Under MA law, a home improvement contractor is defined as someone or some entity that performs "Residential contracting," a term that is defined very broadly in 780 CMR R6 as follows:
The reconstruction, alteration, renovation, repair, modernization, conversion, improvement, removal or demolition or the construction of an addition to any pre-existing owner-occupied building containing at least one but not more than four dwelling units, which building or portion thereof is used or designed to be used as a residence or dwelling unit, or to structures which are adjacent and accessory to such residence or building, including but not necessarily limited to: garages, sheds, cabanas, poolhouses, gazebos.
Hope that helps. For what it's worth, I share your concerns. Better to shop around carefully given what a nuisance a dispute with a home improvement contractor can be.