Connecticut contractor license requirements

Licenses and registrations

Home Improvement Contractor registration

Anyone who contracts with a consumer for a permanent change to residential property, such as roofs, siding, flooring, painting, driveways, fences, doors and windows, and remodeling.

• When it applies: Work is excluded when the contract is less than $200.
• Good to know: Excluded: homeowners working on their own property, subcontracted work, work covered by a trade license, commercial property, routine maintenance (snowplowing, mowing, cleaning), tree work, and new home construction. An individual registration does not cover an LLC.

New Home Construction Contractor registration

Any person or business that builds or sells a new home (including speculative homes) to a consumer before occupancy.

• When it applies: Excludes contracts under $3,500 for the same home.
• Good to know: Home improvement services can be added to this registration for an extra $100 guaranty fund fee.

Home Improvement Salesperson registration

Any individual who negotiates or offers to negotiate a home improvement contract with a consumer on behalf of a home improvement contractor.

• Good to know: Officers, members or partners of a registered contractor entity may sell for it without separate registration. The employing contractor certifies the salesperson's employment on the application.

Major Contractor registration

Construction, structural repair or alteration, or demolition of large structures (at least 4 stories, 60 feet high, a 150-foot clear span, 150,000 square feet, or occupancy of 1,000 people).

• Good to know: Does not cover residential property work or new home construction. Renewal fee $500; expires each June 30.

What you need to qualify

• Exams: No exam is listed for home improvement or new home construction registration.
• Insurance: General liability insurance of at least $20,000 for home improvement and new home construction registrations; the insurer's name and policy number are required.
• Business registration: Legal entities (in-state and out-of-state) must register with the Connecticut Secretary of the State before applying.
• Also required: Applicants with a felony conviction complete the Criminal Conviction Application Worksheet. All applications are filed online.

Fees, renewal and continuing education

• Fees: Home Improvement Contractor: $220 non-refundable application fee. New Home Construction Contractor: $360 ($240 registration fee plus $120 guaranty fund fee), plus $100 to add home improvement. Home Improvement Salesperson: $160 non-refundable application fee.
• Renewal: Annual. Home improvement and new home construction registrations expire March 31 each year; home improvement renewal fee is $220. Salesperson registrations moved from a November 30 to a March 31 expiration under Public Act 21-37.

Contracts and homeowner protections

Contracts must be in writing, in plain language, and include the contractor's name, address and registration number, the entire agreement, the transaction date, start date and completion date, and signatures and dates of both parties. The homeowner gets a copy at signing plus a notice of cancellation (three copies, at least 10-point bold) allowing cancellation until midnight of the third business day; Saturday counts as a business day. A contract missing required items, or made by an unregistered contractor, is not enforceable against the homeowner. Changes must be in writing. The registration number must appear in all advertising, including business cards and vehicles. The Home Improvement Guaranty Fund can reimburse consumers up to $25,000 after a court judgment or restitution order.

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work

The Department of Consumer Protection licenses electrical work (Electrical Work Examining Board), plumbing (Plumbing and Piping Work Examining Board) and HVAC (Heating, Piping, Cooling and Sheet Metal Work Examining Board). Work covered by a trade license is excluded from home improvement registration.

Working without a license

DCP says home improvement work without a registration is a criminal offense subject to prosecution, and the contractor may be barred from collecting payment. DCP may impose civil penalties of up to $1,500 per violation.

What to confirm with the state

We couldn't confirm these on an official page when we checked. Ask the licensing office before you rely on them:

• Whether the $220 home improvement fee includes a guaranty fund portion
• Criminal classification and fine amounts for unregistered home improvement work (statute not checked)
• Whether the $25,000 guaranty fund limit is per claim
• Salesperson renewal fee
• Local (town) contractor licensing or permit rules

Sources

1. DCP Home Improvement Applications
2. Home Improvement Contractor Application
3. New Home Construction and Home Improvement Renewal
4. New Home Construction Contractor Applications
5. Home Improvement Salesperson Registration
6. Major Contractor Registration Application
7. DCP Home Improvement Contractor Guide
8. DCP Electrical License
9. DCP Plumbing and Pipefitting Licensing
10. DCP Heating, Cooling and Sheet Metal Work Licenses
11. DCP License, Permit and Registration Forms