Home Improvement Licensing Requirements

Table of Content

• of Register as a home improvement contractor
• Step 1: Before You Apply for HIS Registration
• Online Services
• Department of Consumer Protection

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance. This step provides information about expiration dates and about the renewal process.

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved. See Public Chapter 821 for more information in the law. Unsure if you need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor?

of Register as a home improvement contractor

ACORD Forms are not acceptable proof of New York State workers’ compensation coverage. To apply for a Certificate of Authority in order to collect sales tax, visit businessexpress.ny.gov. Sidewalk work requires a permit from the New York City Department of Transportation .

A home improvement contractor may prepare an estimate for repair of damages caused to a home by a fire, storm, flood, etc., and the contractor may answer questions the insurance company has about the estimate. You must provide proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage upon renewal of the registration.Insurance certificate should be emailed directly from the insurance agent to . Maryland home improvement contractors and salespersons should be aware that a MHIC license does not authorize you to act in the capacity of a public adjuster when dealing with a homeowner’s insurance company. The Commission has a Guaranty Fund supported by licensed contractors, who pay a Guaranty Fund assessment when they obtain their Home Improvement license and each time they renew their license. This Fund compensates homeowners for actual monetary losses due to poor workmanship or failure to perform a home improvement contract. The Fund applies only to work done by licensed contractors.

Step 1: Before You Apply for HIS Registration

Payment by credit card is accepted when registering online. You must maintain a current address with this Board. You must maintain continuous insurance coverage while holding an active registration with this Board. Be approved by the Board before issuance of the registration.

Yes, once a HIS is properly registered with CSLB, he/she may work for any number of contractors and sell a variety of goods and services. In addition, a new law that took effect on January 1, 2016 removes the requirement that a salesperson register separately with CSLB for each contractor that employs them. Provide proof of general liability insurance with a minimum amount of $100,000 and proof of workers’ compensation coverage. Insurance certificate should be emailed directly from the insurance agent to . You must answer a minimum of 21 questions correctly to pass.

Online Services

A Home Improvement license is required for remodeling projects in several counties, when the cost is $3,000 to $24,999. Consumers prefer to hire licensed professionals, especially when it comes to home remodeling. If you want to be known as a state licensed, insured and bonded contractor, the Home Improvement license is a good start . Use Labor’s Central Scheduling System to meet with a representative from one of our boards or commissions.

This step explains the application process for Home Improvement Salesperson registration. Once you've submitted all documents and fees, you should receive your registration in the mail within 1-2 weeks. Click HERE to renew your license, schedule exams, update your contact information, print a copy of your certificate and more. If you plan to haul or transport waste resulting from your business operations, you must obtain a Class One Self Hauler Registration from the New York City Business Integrity Commission. For an application and more information, contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/bic. Many home improvements require a permit from the New York City Department of Buildings .

It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Do not include sensitive information, such as Social Security or bank account numbers. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. You must provide DCWP with proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance if your business no longer qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Exemption.

This step will answer questions about how to get fingerprinted and about CSLB's criminal background review process. This step explains what you should expect upon submitting your application. Be sure to bring a money order or bank check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

You must determine whether you want to register as an individual or a legal entity prior to applying. Applicants will be required to provide the name of their insurance provider and policy number in their application. All applicants must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000 to be eligible for a home improvement contractor registration.

Are you a contractor making home improvements to an existing home? Legal entities (both in-state and out-of-state) must register their business with the CT Secretary of State’s Officeprior to applying. Mass.gov® is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Free Interpretation Services are available on-site.

Home improvement also includes work done on individual condominium units. Home improvement does not include work done on commonly owned areas of condominiums or buildings that contain four or more single family units. The Commission investigates complaints by homeowners, awards monetary damages against licensed contractors, and prosecutes violators of the home improvement law and regulations.