Vermont Builders & Remodelers Association - Vermont Contractor's Registry

PO Box 490, St. Albans Bay, VT 05481

Phone: 802.876.6200

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Vermont Contractor's Registry

Residential Contractor's Registry

In May 2022, the Vermont Legislature passed and Governor Scott signed into law a bill that created mandatory registration with the state for any contractor who performs residential construction where the estimated value is $10,000 or more, inclusive of labor and materials.

Registration is required as of April 1, 2023.

Info on how to register can be found with the Office of Professional Regulation here.

A helpful list of FAQs can be found here.

Residential Contracting is defined as to "build, demolish, or alter a residential dwelling unit, or a building or premises with four or fewer residential dwelling units" and includes the following:

Interior and exterior construction, renovation and repair
Painting
Paving
Roofing
Weatherization
Installation or repair of heating, plumbing, solar, electrical, water or wastewater systems

This is a registry, NOT licensure. Any tradesperson already licensed, registered or certified by the Department of Public Safety, while working within the scope of the license, registration, or certification is not required to register.

More info on who is NOT required to register - FAQs here.

Types of registration:

Individual Registrations are for residential contractors who are self-employed and do not have any employees.
Business Registrations are for contractors who have employees working for them. Employees of a contractor under this registration are not required to register, as long as they are performing work under their scope of employment of the registered business organization.

More info on registration types - FAQs here!

Registration Fees:

Individual Registration fees - The registration fee for individuals who submit complete registration requests:
- After March 31, 2024, the fee is $75.00
Businesses Registration fees - The registration fee for business organizations that submit complete registration requests
- After March 31, 2024, the fee is $250.00

Registration Requirements:

Online application with the Office of Profession Regulation.
Non-refundable application fee.
Minimum liability insurance coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
Attest to use of a written contract prior to receiving a deposit or commencing residential construction work if the estimated value of the labor and materials exceeds $10,000.

Contract requirements (sample residential contractor agreement):

Price: One of the following provisions for the price of the contract:
- maximum price for all work and materials;
- statement that billing and payment will be made on a time and materials basis, not to exceed a maximum price; or,
- a statement that billing and payment will be made on a time and materials basis and that there is no maximum price.
Work dates: Estimated start and completion dates.
Scope of work: A description of the services to be performed and a description of the materials to be used.
Change order provision: A description of how and when amendments to the contract may be approved and documented, as agreed by the parties. The parties shall document an amendment to the contract in a signed writing.

The law requires the Office of Professional Regulation to create and implement the registry, including a website (coming soon) for consumers to consult and confirm that a potential contractor is properly registered.

Residential Contractor advisors, together with the Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation, provide governance, oversight and enforcement for your profession. VBRA and OPR will gather and vet earned certifications that can be listed next to a contractor's name on the registry site, further helping consumers with the decisions to hire a contracting professional.

This page contains detailed information regarding applicable statutes and rules as well as additional resources. More information will be added as the program is rolled out, including a sample residential contractor agreement contract for contractors to customize and use.

Resources: (Keep checking here!)

More info on registering can be found with the Office of Professional Regulation here.

A helpful list of FAQs can be found here.