NY Home Improvement Contractor Exam
Studyguide
What is "home improvement" (H.I.)? (C R R R R A A I) correct answersthe construction, repair,
remodeling, alteration, rehabilitation, renovation, improvement, or addition to any land or building used
as a residence or dwelling place.
What parts of a home can a H.I. include? correct answersAny part of the home OR land (including
basements, driveways, fences, garages, landscaping, patios, porches, sidewalks, swimming pools, and
terraces.)
What system installations are part of H.I.? (4) correct answersCentral heating/air conditioning, Central
vacuum, Doors, windows, awnings, and Communication systems.
What is NOT considered H.I.? correct answersConstruction of a new home or building, Sale of goods or
materials in connection with the installation of or application of goods or materials, Work performed on
a residence owned or controlled by the state or municipality
When is Painting or decoration of a building, residence, home, or apartment considered H.I.? correct
answersWhen there is painting work being done as part of other home improvement work.
When is Painting or decoration of a building, residence, home, or apartment NOT considered H.I.?
correct answersWhen it is a standalone job not part of of other home improvement work.
Who is a "contractor"? correct answersAnyone who owns, operates, maintains, conducts, controls, or
transacts a home improvement business and undertakes or agrees to perform any home improvement.
What legal entity is a contractor required to be? correct answersA contractor may be an individual, a
firm, a company, a partnership, or a corporation.
What is a H.I. contract? correct answersAn agreement between a contractor and a consumer or tenant
for performance of a home improvement
, What must a H.I. contract detail? correct answersAll labor, services, and materials to be furnished and
performed.
Who is a "salesperson"? correct answersSomeone who negotiates a H.I. contract with a consumer or
tenant, or solicits a home improvement contract from an owner or tenant.
Who must have a DCA license? correct answersAny person who solicits, canvasses, sells, performs, or
obtains a H.I. contract as a contractor or salesperson must have a DCA license.
Does an individual employee of a contractor, who does not solicit or negotiate contracts, need to be
licensed? correct answersNo
What is the maximum amount an H.I. job can be to not require a licensed contractor? correct
answers$200
Do plumbers and electricians who do not perform work outside their trade need a H.I. license? correct
answersNo, they have their own trade licenses.
When would an architect or engineer involved with an H.I. project need a contractor's license? correct
answersIf they are physically performing H.I. functions outside the scope of an architect or engineer.
Must a H.I. Contractor license be posted? correct answersYes, it must be posted in the Contractor's office
where all consumers can see it, or show it to consumers upon request.
Change of business address, ownership, management, or trade name must be reported to DCA within
how many days? correct answers10 days
How many business locations can a H.I. Contractor's license cover? correct answersOne. A seperate
license is required for each place of business.
