To clarify, everything we do is decorative, not structural & doesn’t require a license in MA. But, I suppose I should get one just because it looks better. I had a CSL for many years, but never needed to pull permits & noone ever asked to see it, so I let it go, once they started the continuing education requirement. Now, it seems a license is a big deal.
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That is a tough one. Licensing is confusing to home owners, as to when it’s required and when it’s not. In DE you don’t need a home improvement license however you do need a business license, and in surrounding states a home improvement license is required. When we advertise we include our business license for DE, along with our other state home improvement licenses.
If the cost isn’t outrageous it doesn’t hurt to obtain it. Other accreditations will also help to support your ability to perform the work.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
I feel that a licenses are important for any construction company. Even though decorative repairs in most states don’t require one. I feel that the public and customers are requiring it more and you dont want to demote yourself on a job( going with someone licensed even though it was a decorative repair). I feel that a customer looks for something to help them to decide to go with you and a license might get the job. On the other hand you never know when you might need them for a job that use to not require a license. Construction is always evolving and I see things change constantly. So I would probably get for a piece of mind.
Any type of certification and / or License is very important to your company. It adds credibility while also allowing for possible avenues of revenue growth. Subbing out contractors will increase your income and broaden you business. Example , painting contractors , engineers ect.
Yes, because it shows crediability to your business it also helps clients feel comfortable dealing with a contractor that they don’t know and feel like they are not getting ripped off or taken advantage of when a contractor is doing work for the client. Depending on the state that your in you also need one if you do more than a certain amount of dollars for a job. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
You have been lucky so far, maybe you work for people that know you. Now with the implementation of the continuing education, license is a must, we are required to have the HOME IMPROVEMENT LICENSE for every residential job that is done, requested and asked for by the building departments.
The answer is YES! In todays age And for one to protect yourself. Also if your state is cool they will look out for you.
It is a good idea to have a state license. In Arkansas in 2012 they passed a law stating that Residential work $2,000 or more requires a home improvement license. That is labor or material. Even if the customer purchses materials. If the cost of the project is over $2,000 dollar a license is required. I believe it is $20,000 for commercial work.
I am a painter and customers have started to ask if i am insured, they really don’t care about license
Contractors and others like home stores that “sub” work out to me do ask if I am state licensed and insured.
IMO it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
The more structured you get, more value your business gets. More over, you feel more confident when doing business.
The simple fact that you have your license + insurance + trademark logo etc push you to do even better a job and that transmit in your work and clients trust.
I hope this helps 
I’ll say yes.
One of the very important reason is. If you sign a agreement without a license, the agreement ir’s not valid. and you can be serious problems.
Here In MD you need license for everything.
You do need a license, for one it gives your business more credibility and secondly it will protect you legally, contract wise. Your contract has no validity if the work you perform is not backed up by a license. Say things go wrong you’ll be the one at fault 100%. Better safe than sorry even if in MA decorative license technically is not required.
Yes, absolutely. When ANY issues arise, you will be very thankful you have one, whether needed or not.
Beyond that, as everyone seems to agree a license makes you more credible and desirable/safer than other bidders that may not have one.