Do I need a licensed contractor in NYC?
When NYC law requires a licensed pro, and how to check a license in two minutes.
In New York City, anyone doing home improvement work worth more than $200 on a residential property must hold a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license from the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). The $200 counts labor and materials together.
What counts as home improvement?
Repairs, remodeling, painting, flooring, carpentry, kitchens and bathrooms, windows, doors, and similar work on a home, apartment or co-op. Small jobs under $200, like hanging a few shelves, do not need the license.
Trades that need their own license
- Electrical work: must be done by a NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) licensed electrician.
- Plumbing and gas: must be done by a DOB licensed master plumber.
- AC and refrigeration: technicians who handle refrigerant need federal EPA Section 608 certification.
How to check a license
- Ask for the license number (it looks like
2101234-DCA). - Look it up on NYC.gov's license check.
- Make sure the business name matches the one on your contract.
Every pro on NYCHandymen holds an active HIC license, based on the city's official records. It's still worth checking yourself before a big job.
Why it matters
Hiring a licensed contractor gives you access to the city's complaint process and, in some cases, the Home Improvement Trust Fund if a licensed contractor doesn't finish the job. Unlicensed work can leave you with no recourse.