Question: I am planning to have my kitchen remodeled. I have been referred to a few contractors by friends. How can I check to be sure I am only hiring licensed contractor? I don’t want to be stuck in those horror stories of I always here.

Answer: You are taking the right precaution by looking into checking out your prospective contractor, prior to hiring them and giving any payment. To find if a contractor is licensed contact the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) by calling 311 or checking instantly at www.nyc.gov/consumers.
Remember:
• It is the homeowner’s responsibly to check that the contractor they are using is licensed.
• Any person performing the work on your home is a “contractor”, and is to be licensed by DCA.
• Any work over $200 must be performed by a DCA licensee.
• The person who negotiates the contract is called a “salesperson”, and also is to be licensed by DCA. (Can be checked by DCA)
• If the contractor and salesperson is the same person, be certain to check for both licenses.
• Check DCA for complaint histories.
• Always request estimates in writing and from at least three different contractors.
• Take before and after pictures as part of your records.

SOURCE: NYC Department of Consumer Affairs www.nyc.gov/consumers


Trisha Ocona Francis is a Licensed Principal Broker for realestateOCONA and a licensed Real Estate Instructor. Want answers to your housing questions please
email them to to@trishaocona.com

This information is for educational purposes only. Always seek a
trusted attorney and/or US HUD approved counselor for all major
housing transactions call (800) 569-4287 or visiting ww.hud.gov to locate one.