What Certifications & Licenses Really Tell You About a Home Improvement Contractor
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Many roofing contractors are proud to tell you about their licenses and certifications. But, like the contractors who carry them, not all certifications are alike. Some are good predictors of a contractor’s abilities, and can lower your risk of a having a bad experience. But other so-called “certifications” are misleading.
The following definitions will give you some valuable insight. Just remember, “All that glitters is not gold!”
Massachusetts DCAM Certification – G.F. Sprague DCAM License # #08-0165
The Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) is the state agency responsible for major public construction and real estate services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The agency promotes quality and integrity in the Commonwealth’s building construction and real estate operations. A DCAM certificate is the only one that qualifies a contractor for a specific trade, and a contractor must be recertified by DCAM every year. This makes it a good measure of the quality of a contractor.
Manufacturers’ Certifications
The best manufacturers want to ensure that their products are being properly installed, and put contractors through training, testing and (in some cases) retesting before granting certification. In many cases, manufacturer certification of the contractor is required in order for the product warranty to be valid. Many manufacturers also require contractors to receive refresher training and to update their certifications annually. Ask to see the manufacturers’ certifications before hiring a roofing contractor, and make sure your proposal includes everything required to prevent voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
Massachusetts Construction License
– G.F. Sprague Construction License # cs20976, with no restrictions
Unfortunately this license requires little knowledge and no prior experience specific to a certain trade (like roofing). The one-time test is based on general building code — solely new construction not reroofing — with few questions related specifically to roofing. Although your city or town may only require a Mass. Construction License for a roofer to purchase a permit, it doesn’t make the company qualified.
Home Improvement Contractor Registration (HIC) – G.F. Sprague HIC Registration #104531
The only requirement for this is that the contractor submit a registration form and pay into a fund. There is no qualifying or testing of the contractor’s knowledge or experience. Almost anybody can get this registration certificate.
Insurance Coverage Certificates
A certificate of insurance clearly defines the types of insurance carried by a contractor, including the coverage limits and expiration dates. Insist on seeing all certificates of insurance (workman’s compensation, liability, vehicle) before hiring any contractor. At GF Sprague, all of our insurance certificates are available upon request.
My experience was great…people were here on time…very professional…clean job…no problems..everything looks great.
- -S. W. Concord, Ma.
We’re Here When You Call!
In the event of storm damage, our Emergency Roof Response Team is “on call,” 7 days a week, to provide emergency repairs in the event of a major leak, penetration or structural damage occurs. We take quick action to help mitigate further damage.
Contact us for a free estimate today by calling 781-455-0556.
Or simply fill out the form below and click “Submit Form” and we’ll contact you with answers to your questions.
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I am very happy with GF Sprague and its service…you are very prompt in calling back…you give me a reasonable estimate..you are incredibly tidy.
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Areas we service in Massachusetts:
Needham MA | Wellesley MA | Weston MA | Wayland MA | Sudbury MA | Newton MA | Brookline MA | Cambridge MA | Arlington MA | Boston MA | Concord MA | Lexington MA | Canton MA | Dover MA | Duxbury MA | Winchester MA | Cohasset MA | Hingham MA | Beverly MA | Swampscott MA | Scituate MA | Prides Crossing MA | Framingham MA | Natick MA | Quincy MA | Carlisle MA | Ipswich MA | Gloucester MA | Manchester MA | Newburyport MA | Westwood MA | Sherborn MA | Belmont MA | Lincoln MA | Milton MA | South Natick MA | Wellesley Hills MA | Newton Corner MA | Auburndale MA | Newtonville MA | Forest Hills MA | Waban MA | Newton Highlands MA | Newton Centre MA | Chestnut Hill MA | Waltham MA | Watertown MA | West Roxbury MA | Dedham MA | Norwood MA | Medfield MA | Milford MA | Wenham MA | Rowley MA | Marblehead MA | Georgetown MA | Hamilton MA | Medford MA | Sharon MA | Jamaica Plain MA | Walpole MA |
