New York contractor licenseWhat you need instead

New York · city rules

New York City

Who

Contractors who build one-, two- and three-family homes must register with the Department of Buildings to get New Building permits. Home improvement work on residential property needs a separate Home Improvement Contractor license from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).²

Licenses

General Contractor Registration (Department of Buildings) and Home Improvement Contractor license (DCWP).²

Exam

The home improvement license requires the Home Improvement Exam. The application fee covers two attempts; after two failures each retake costs $50.³

Bond

Home improvement contractors either enroll in the DCWP Trust Fund ($200) or file a $20,000 surety bond.³

Insurance

For new buildings, major alterations, foundations and full demolitions, project general liability starts at $5 million and rises with the height of the building and its neighbors. One- and two-family homes under 35 feet are exempt from the project-specific requirement. Home improvement contractors show workers' comp coverage or a state exemption.⁴

Fees

General contractor registration: $300, renewal $240, late renewal $50. Home improvement license: $50 to $200 depending on when in the two-year cycle you apply, renewal $250.²

Renewal

General contractor registration runs 3 years. The home improvement license runs 2 years.²

NYC Department of Buildings, Licensing

New York · city rules

Buffalo

Who

Anyone who owns or runs a construction or home improvement business in Buffalo needs a city contractor license. Licensed plumbers, electricians, architects and engineers working within their own license are exempt. The Construction and Home Improvement Advisory Board reviews each application.⁵

Licenses

Handyman, home improvement contractor, specialty contractor, light commercial contractor, new housing contractor, general contractor, subcontractor and construction management. Home improvement contractors are limited to additions under 1,000 square feet.⁵

Insurance

Applicants show general liability, personal injury and property damage insurance.⁵

Fees

Handyman $225, home improvement or specialty $450, light commercial or new housing $500, general contractor $900, construction management $375.⁶

Renewal

Every license expires September 30 and renews for one year.⁵

Exam and bond: check with Buffalo Permit and Inspection Services, Office of Licenses. Buffalo Permit and Inspection Services, Office of Licenses

New York · city rules

Yonkers

Who

Anyone who runs a home improvement business or offers home improvement work on homes of up to three families needs a Yonkers license. Licensed plumbers and electricians working within their own license are exempt.⁷

Licenses

One home improvement contractor license.⁷

Insurance

General liability and personal injury of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, property damage of at least $25,000, and workers' comp for employees.⁷

Fees

$400 for the license and $400 for each renewal.⁷

Renewal

Licenses run two years. Applying for renewal less than 15 days before expiration adds a $25 penalty.⁷

Exam and bond: check with Yonkers Office of Licensing. Yonkers Office of Licensing