Help for Consumers on Finding and Working with Home Improvement Contractors

Home improvement and landscape contractors are required to be licensed by the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection.

What's a Home Improvement?

Any repair, replacement, renovation, remodeling, installation, construction, alteration, conversion, modernization made to, in or upon a private residence, apartment or dwelling place of not more than three units, including but not limited to the following:

  • waterproofing
  • exterior siding, awnings, leaders and gutters;decks, patios, garages, carports and additional rooms
  • storm and / or replacement windows and doors
  • roofs
  • driveways and walkways
  • kitchens and bathrooms
  • masonry
  • fence installations
  • chimney maintenance
  • exterior painting
  • landscapers and gardeners
  • arboriculture
  • tile setters
  • swimming pools
  • other similar improvements

Plan Ahead, Know What You Want Done

Before selecting a contractor, determine your needs and funds.

Be sure the improvements, whether large or small, suit your needs.

Learn more about the type of work being done. Consult technical literature such as "how to" manuals. These are available in libraries and many trade associations offer them at no cost. Hardware stores and Home Supply stores also stock home repair manuals that provide much information.

Figure in all the cost, like material and supply costs, labor costs, finance charges and all extras such as permits bonds, etc.

If financing is needed, consider arranging it yourself.

Find out from your local building inspector whether a professional engineer or registered architect must submit construction drawings before a permit can be issued.

Selecting a Contractor

Get more than one estimate, especially if the job is big.

Ask for the most current references of jobs the contractor has done and names of local suppliers who have dealt with the contractor.

Check a contractor's dependability and reputation before signing a contract by contacting any of the following: Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection, Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, District Attorney, trade associations or local building inspectors.

Check with the Department of Consumer Protection to determine whether the contractor is licensed and if the license is current.

Contracts Should Clearly Spell Out...

  • Complete name, address, and telephone number of the contractor.
  • Contractor's license number.
  • Scope of work to be done.
  • Brands, models, colors and grades of materials to be used.
  • Guarantees on workmanship and materials.
  • Who procures and pays for permits.
  • Responsibility for carting construction debris away.
  • What kind of labor to be provided by the consumer, if any.
  • Separate prices for labor and materials, as well as for alternate work.
  • A commencement and completion date.

Be Safe, Not Sorry

Give as little deposit as possible and avoid cash deposits.

Get a legible copy of your contract when signing rather than at a later date.

Make sure the contractor provides you with a certificate of insurance.

Make sure the electric service coming into your house is adequate for your remodeling requirements.

Get the names of subcontractors, if there are any.

Insert clauses in the contract that will be beneficial to you as long as the contractor is agreeable.

Schedule your payments so that your final payment is due 30 days or more after the work is completed to make sure no problems develop.

Include a penalty clause in the contract in case the job is not finished by the completion date shown in the contract.

Check on the progress and quality of work to be sure the job is being done in accordance with the contract.

Check with suppliers and subcontractors to ascertain whether they have been paid.

If necessary, get lien waivers from subcontractors before final payment is made.

Remember, if suppliers or subcontractors have not been paid, even though you have paid the general contractor, legal action can be initiated against you for non-payment.

Avoid Problems

Never contract with unsolicited, door to door sales people

Never pay a large cash deposit.

Don't agree to a verbal contract.

Never rush into signing a contract.

Never sign a blank contract.

Don't accept a contract when the "guarantee" stated is unrealistic.

Never give a contractor the run of the job or a key to your house during your absence.

Never alter plans while work is in progress unless absolutely necessary.

Never ignore notices from suppliers for nonpayment of materials purchased for your job.

Don't sign that work is acceptable until the work is completed and you have inspected the job and are satisfied.

Get extra materials such as tiles and siding from the contractor to use in the event repairs are necessary.

Get extra paint or wallpaper so you don't have to worry about matching discontinued paint and wallpaper at a later date.

The Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection is located at 112 East Post Road, 4th Floor, White Plains, New York 10601.
Office Phone: (914) 995-2155,
Consumer Tips Line (914) 995-2491,
FAX (914) 995-3115