Connecticut regulates its contractors and construction workers much like its neighboring states. To become a contractor in Connecticut, you’ll need to be licensed or registered as a home improvement, major, mechanical, or new home construction contractor.
This article will break down the requirements for each type of license so you can soon start your career as a Connecticut contractor.
Types of Contractor Licenses in Connecticut
Connecticut offers the following contractor licenses and registrations:
- Home improvement contractor license: a registration for any person contracting with a consumer for residential property work. This includes any permanent changes on things like roofs, siding, flooring, landscaping, pools, and more worth over $200 per contract or $1,000 per year.
- Major contractor registration: for contractors exceeding the following thresholds – residential units of 150 beds, hotels or motels or 200 rooms, multifamily units of 100 units, parking areas for 1,000 cars, and storage units of 250,000 square feet.
- Mechanical contractor registration: for HVAC, plumbing, and/or piping work.
- New Home Construction Contractor: for those building or selling a new home or a part of a new home before occupancy. Realtors or those with a professional license are exempt from this license requirement.
Becoming a CT Home Improvement Contractor
To become a home improvement contractor, you’ll need to apply as either an individual/sole proprietor or an entity. You can apply online or via mail.
Individuals will need to complete the application, attest to their criminal history, describe their field of work, and pay $220.
Entities will complete a separate application, including information on all business associates, attesting to their criminal history, and paying $220.
Becoming a Major Contractor in Connecticut
Major contractors may be sole proprietors, corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, or partnerships. You must not have any pending suits or arbitration against you or your business when applying.
Applicants will fill out an application and include:
- Organizational information (partners, members, owners, etc.)
- A credit reference letter from a supplier or subcontractor
- A credit reference letter from a financial institution
- 3 reference letters attesting to the applicant’s contracting services
- General liability insurance information
- A copy of a trade name certificate, if applicable
- Proof of legal existence, for corporations and LLCs
- Information on any construction projects in progress
- A description of construction projects completed over the last 5 years
- The signed and notarized affidavit page
- A $500 fee
Becoming a Mechanical Contractor in Connecticut
Mechanical contractors must be licensed in their specialization or employ licensed tradesmen. On the application, you’ll list at least 10 employees performing such work and their license numbers. You will also need to pay a $110 application fee.
Becoming a CT New Home Construction Contractor
New home construction contractors can apply for a license as an individual or entity. It is recommended to complete your Home Improvement Contractor Registration before applying for this license, although it is not mandatory.
Individuals will complete the application, including:
- Information on their liability and worker’s comp insurance, if applicable
- An attestation of criminal history
- The correct fee:
- $720 if you do not have a Home Improvement Contractor Registration
- $480 if you have a Home Improvement Contractor Registration under the same name you’re applying under
Entities have a separate application that is almost identical to the individual application, but it also includes a section where you will list information of all members of your business.
