Hurricane Sandy and Repairs

     Massachusetts came through Hurricane Sandy relatively unscathed in comparison to New York and New Jersey.  However, many people have sustained damage and need repairs.  Contractors in Massachusetts who are performing renovations on one to four family homes must be registered with the Office of Consumer Affairs under Mass.Gen.L. ch. 142A  In a post I wrote earlier this year, I discussed how to select a contractor.  As I detailed there, you should check references, check the Office of Consumer Affairs website and the Department of Public Safety for the contractor's licenses.  The law requires that contractors follow a number of rules regarding payment, requirements in your contract and that the work must be performed according to the Massachusetts Building Code.

    Once you find a contractor you want to hire, make sure that your contract clearly states the work to be performed, the materials to be used, the payment schedule and provisions for termination.  You should seriously consider having a lawyer take a look at the contract.  While it will cost you money up front, the cost of a few hours of a lawyer's time to review the contract up front is very small in comparison to what you will spend if you have to litigate the matter.