The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).
On July 1, 2009, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Senate Bill 100) took effect. This law requires most home improvement contractors to register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, these contractors must maintain minimum insurance coverage and utilize contracts that comply with a number of consumer protection requirements specified in this law.
PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration
Home improvement contractors have to register with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General either online or by mailing the application.
They will have to provide information, including:
- Identifying information, including information on other home improvement businesses they operate or have operated in the past
- Names of people with an interest in any corporation or business entity making an application, such as partners, officers and managers
- Information on any other contractor licenses and registrations they hold
- A description of the business
- Information about bankruptcies and criminal pleas or convictions
Applicants also have to show that they hold an insurance policy that provides at least $50,000 of personal injury liability coverage and $50,000 of property damage coverage. The $50 application fee must be included and is not refundable.