The Final Information to Hiring Basic Contractors in NYC

New York Metropolis contractor licensing necessities

The Division of Buildings (DOB) points licenses for basic contractors in NYC, whereas the Division of Shopper Affairs (DCA) points Residence Enchancment Contractor (HIC) licenses — extra on the variations under.

Each DOB and HIC licenses have particular expertise and insurance coverage necessities that contractors should meet in an effort to qualify for a license. As soon as licensed, contractors should additionally full persevering with training programs each two years in an effort to keep their license.

Notice that the necessities for acquiring and sustaining a basic contractor license might differ relying on the precise sort of labor being carried out and the placement of the undertaking. It’s all the time a good suggestion to examine with the suitable licensing company for particular necessities in your space.

NYC Division of Buildings license

A DOB license is required for contractors who carry out building, alteration, or restore work on buildings in NYC. This contains new building, renovations, and repairs to current buildings. Basic contractors may additionally be required to carry further licenses or certifications for particular kinds of work, corresponding to electrical, plumbing, or asbestos abatement.

To qualify for a basic contractor license, people should have not less than seven years of expertise within the building business, with not less than two years in a supervisory position. Alternatively, they might qualify by finishing a four-year apprenticeship program or by holding a bachelor’s diploma in engineering or structure. Moreover, contractors should carry legal responsibility insurance coverage and employees’ compensation insurance coverage, and should adjust to all native constructing codes and rules

NYC Residence Enchancment Contractor license

An HIC license, however, is particularly for contractors who carry out house enchancment work in NYC. Residence enchancment work contains repairs, alterations, renovations, or modifications to any a part of a residential constructing, together with single-family properties, multi-family properties, and residences. HIC licensees are usually not permitted to carry out new building or work on business or industrial buildings.

To acquire a Residence Enchancment Contractor (HIC) license in New York Metropolis, contractors should have not less than two years of expertise within the house enchancment business with not less than one yr in a supervisory position, carry legal responsibility insurance coverage, register with the Division of Finance and pay any relevant charges, full a pre-license training course, go a written examination, and meet bonding necessities by having a surety bond or money deposit.