Israel’s renovation industry is on the verge of a true revolution. After years in which the regulations were considered outdated and the limitations did not reflect the reality on the ground, the Construction and Housing Ministry is introducing a comprehensive reform aimed at giving renovation contractors greater freedom of action and aligning the industry with today’s challenges.
Under the direction of the Construction and Housing Minister, MK Haim Katz, the ministry led an extensive staff effort in cooperation with the Contractors’ Registrar, the General Federation of Labor, and the Association of Renovation Contractors. The work examined the role of renovation contractors within the civilian rehabilitation system, especially their function in times of emergency. Based on lessons learned from Operation “Am Kelavi” and the Iron Swords War, a new reform was formulated, and the regulations concerning it were published yesterday for public comment - before the minister’s signature and their official enactment.
What Does “Reform” Mean?
Until now, contractors operating under the basic renovation track were permitted to take on projects of limited scope, making it difficult for them to handle larger and more complex works. Now, the financial limits have nearly doubled - a move that will allow contractors to take on bigger and more significant projects. At the same time, the promotion criteria between classifications will be redefined so that skilled contractors will no longer remain stuck in lower tiers for years and will be able to advance more quickly to levels that allow multi-million-shekel projects.
The most notable innovation is not just financial. One of the key emphases is the introduction of professional training programs focusing on safety. These courses, conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Safety and Hygiene, will become a prerequisite for contractor registration. In practice, this means that anyone entering the industry will come with practical knowledge and tools designed to reduce workplace accidents and raise the overall level of professionalism.
And What Does This Mean for Us, the Customers?
The more certified contractors authorized to carry out large-scale projects there are - the greater the competition, and the better the service to the public will be. This could translate not only into higher performance and safety standards but also into more affordable prices thanks to an open and competitive market. In other words: this change doesn’t stop with the contractors - it ultimately reaches our wallets as well.