Most contractor FAQs are filler. This one is not. Below are the 14 most common questions Pro Build receives during the free quote phase, grouped by topic, each answered with the program rule or code reference behind the answer.
Licensing & Credentials
Are you licensed and insured to work in Massachusetts?
Yes. Pro Build holds a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) and is registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC). We carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance and provide certificates on request. Trade-specific work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) is performed by in-house licensed journeymen, not unlicensed labor.
What's the difference between a CSL and a HIC registration?
The CSL is the state license required to pull building permits for residential structures up to 35,000 cubic feet. The HIC registration is a separate consumer-protection registration required by Massachusetts MGL c. 142A for any home improvement contract over $1,000. We hold both. A contractor with only one of these is missing half the credential stack.
Why hire a multi-trade contractor instead of separate specialists?
One project manager, one warranty, one rebate filing, one timeline. Most renovations cross three or four trades; coordinating them across separate companies adds 20–40% to the timeline and creates warranty gaps where each contractor blames the other. Our Lead Construction Supervisor signs every trade — heat pump, panel upgrade, drywall, paint — so the buck stops in one place.
Mass Save & Financing
Is Pro Build a Mass Save authorized installer?
Yes. We hold Mass Save Heat Pump Contractor (HPC) authorization, which lets us file directly into the Mass Save portal on your behalf. You do not log in or fill out forms. We submit the project; you receive the rebate confirmation and check.
How much can I save with Mass Save rebates?
Whole-home heat pump installs are eligible for up to $10,000 in Mass Save rebates as of 2026 program tier. Income-eligible households can stack additional Enhanced Incentive amounts. Insulation rebates run 75–100% of project cost depending on income tier. Mini-split partial-home installs are typically rebated at $1,250 per indoor head with caps. The eligibility check is part of every free quote.
What is the 0% HEAT Loan?
The Massachusetts HEAT Loan is a 0% APR loan up to $25,000 over 7 years for qualifying energy-efficient improvements paired with a Mass Save assessment. Heat pumps, insulation, high-efficiency boilers, and ENERGY STAR windows are eligible. The loan is processed through participating credit unions and banks; we submit the contractor side of the paperwork.
Are Federal tax credits stackable with Mass Save?
Yes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 25C credit covers up to $2,000 for heat pumps, $1,200 for insulation/air sealing, and $600 for windows/doors per tax year, and stacks on top of Mass Save rebates. We provide IRS Form 5695 worksheet data with every eligible project closeout.
Permits & Code
Do I need permits for my project?
Most renovation work in Massachusetts requires a 780 CMR building permit and, depending on scope, electrical and plumbing permits filed separately under their respective codes. Pro Build files every required permit under our license. If a project genuinely doesn't need one (cosmetic painting, simple drywall patching), we tell you.
What is the Massachusetts Stretch Code?
The Massachusetts Stretch Code is an above-base energy code that 299 of 351 MA municipalities have adopted as of 2026. The newer Specialized Stretch Code adds electrification readiness and is now in force in roughly 38 communities including Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, and Somerville. Both codes affect insulation R-values, HVAC sizing, and EV-readiness requirements. We track which version applies in your jurisdiction.
Do you handle historic district permits?
Yes. We coordinate with the relevant commission for projects in Boston Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Bay Village, South End landmark districts, Cambridge Mid-Cambridge, Salem, Newburyport, and other regulated zones. Lead times for historic review add 4–8 weeks to permit timelines, which we factor into the schedule from day one.
Scheduling, Warranty, Emergency
How fast can I get an estimate?
5-minute reply during business hours (Mon–Fri 7am–6pm, Sat 8am–2pm). On-site assessment within 48 hours for non-emergency work. Written estimate within 24 hours for single-trade scope, 72 hours for multi-trade renovation.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency response?
Yes — for plumbing leaks, electrical hazards, no-heat in winter, and storm damage. The on-call Lead Construction Supervisor takes the call 24/7. Response window for true emergencies inside our service area is under 90 minutes.
What warranty do you offer?
One year on workmanship across every trade. Two years on heat pump, boiler, electrical panel, and roofing installations. Manufacturer warranties on equipment registered with the date of commissioning, not the date the box left the warehouse. Issues identified during the one-year follow-up call are addressed without charge.
Which Massachusetts cities does Pro Build serve?
Massachusetts-wide for whole-home renovations and major installs. Same-day service typically reaches Greater Boston (Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Medford, Arlington, Waltham), the MetroWest corridor (Framingham, Natick, Wellesley), the North Shore, and Worcester County. Service area details are on the Locations page.
Still Have Questions?
Not on this list? Send it to hello@probuildhomeservices.com with "FAQ" in the subject line. We add new questions to this page weekly based on what homeowners ask during free quotes.
Ready for a quote? or call us during business hours.