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Did you know Pennsylvania does not issue licenses for any residential construction trades?
Did you know Pennsylvania does not issue licenses for any residential construction trades?
The state licenses other fields such as Architects, Engineers, Land Surveyors, Geologists, and Landscape Architects. For the full list of PA state licenses or to verify a license follow this link.
PA requires contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year to register with the Attorney General’s Office.
PA requires contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year to register with the Attorney General’s Office.
This process costs $50 and requires proof of insurance
Registered contractors receive a six digit “HIC number”
Registration is not an endorsement, recommendation or approval by the Office of Attorney General of the contractor's competency or skill
Registered contractors must comply with
Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law
Contract Requirements
Contract Requirements
Must be written, legible and signed by the consumer and the contractor (or their representatives).
Contracts must also include important provisions, including the total price of the project; estimated start and completion dates; and a description of the work.
The terms that are required to be in every home improvement contract, and provisions that cannot be included, are set forth in Section 517.7 of the HICPA.
Time and Materials Contracts
Time and Materials Contracts
The contractor must inform the consumer in writing that the time and materials contract will not exceed 10% above an initial cost estimate agreed to by the homeowner.
The contractor must Inform the consumer in writing that any cost beyond the contract price (initial cost estimate plus 10%) must be agreed to by the homeowner in a written change order.
Emergency work may be performed following special guidelines found in section 201.7 of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. This includes a standard form contractors must use and outlines how and when contractors must communicate their services and costs to the consumer.
Most PA counties do not have further requirements for a home repair contractor to operate a business. CHeck Your Local Municipality.
Most PA counties do not have further requirements for a home repair contractor to operate a business. CHeck Your Local Municipality.
Philadelphia County requires a local license for the following residential construction trades
Philadelphia County requires a local license for the following residential construction trades
contractor
excavation contractor
demolition contractor
plumbing (apprentice, journeyman, master)
electrical
curb setting
Contractors that only work on existing one-or-two-family dwellings and do not perform work that requires a special trade license do not require a Philadelphia contractors licence.
When hiring a contractor Always
When hiring a contractor Always
1. Confirm their Pennsylvania HIC Number (Attorney General Registration)
1. Confirm their Pennsylvania HIC Number (Attorney General Registration)
2. Research Local or County Licence Requirements
2. Research Local or County Licence Requirements
3. Ask for Trade Qualifications
3. Ask for Trade Qualifications
National Certifications
Trade School / Training Programs
Work Experience
Reviews
Personal Recommendations
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