New York State does not license home improvement contractors, but Suffolk County does. Licenses are handled by the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs in Hauppauge, under Chapter 563 of the county code.
The short version
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who issues it | Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, (631) 853-4600 |
| Who needs it | Anyone in business as a home improvement contractor on residential property |
| Test | 25 questions, true or false and multiple choice, given twice a month |
| Insurance | Liability, property damage and workers’ comp, before the license is issued |
| Fees in the county code | $200 application, $200 per year |
| Term | Two years |
| Processing | About 3 weeks |
| Lookup | License and Complaint Violation Look Up |
Who needs one
Section 563-17 of the county code makes it unlawful to do business as a home improvement contractor without a license. The code defines home improvement as repair, remodeling, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement or addition to residential property, and it names roofing and siding specifically. It does not cover building a new home, or electrical and plumbing work. The county’s license types list “Roofing, Siding, Storms & Screens” as a home improvement category.
What you need to apply
- Pass the written test. The county FAQ says it is 25 questions, true or false and multiple choice, on the county Home Improvement Law (Chapter 563, Articles I and II) and Article 36-A of the New York General Business Law. It is given twice a month. Prior licensees do not retest unless their license was issued before January 16, 1987.
- Insurance. Public liability, property damage and workers’ compensation have to be on file before the license is issued. At renewal, the county takes a sworn affidavit that the insurance is in effect, or a certificate. The code does not state minimum dollar amounts, and we could not confirm them on the county site, so ask the county.
- A place of business in New York State.
- A photo attached to the application.
Fees and term
The county code lists a $200 application fee and $200 per year for the license or a renewal, with a $50 per year ID card for salespeople. A license runs two years and expires on the last day of the 24th month. These numbers come from the code text, and we could not confirm them against a current fee schedule, so call (631) 853-4600 before you pay.
What it means for homeowners
- A written contract with start and completion dates and a description of labor and material costs. The code makes failing to provide one a violation.
- Three business days to cancel. The county fact sheet says you have an unconditional right to cancel until midnight of the third business day after signing, in writing. It does not apply if you signed at the contractor’s place of business, if the job is $25 or less, or if it is an emergency repair.
- The license number in ads. Section 563-17 requires it.
- Free help with complaints. The fact sheet says the Office of Consumer Affairs will help if a licensed or unlicensed contractor fails to perform, that all complaints are investigated, and that there is no fee.
How to look up a license
The county’s License and Complaint Violation Look Up searches by license number, name, business, phone, address or license type. Unlike the Nassau lookup, it can show complaints and violations. You can also call (631) 853-4600.
Penalties
Under the county code, working without a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both. Civil penalties for other violations run up to $750 for a first violation and $1,500 for each one after, plus suspension or revocation.
Town licenses on the East End
Some towns add their own license. East Hampton’s town code requires a town home improvement license, and a contractor who holds a Suffolk license is entitled to one after filing proof.
Working in Nassau too
Nassau has its own license, with a $650 two-year fee and a 5-year experience rule. See our Nassau County home improvement license guide.