NY Home Improvement Contractor
UPDATED Exam Questions and
CORRECT Answers
What is "home improvement" (H.I.)? (C R R R R A A I) - CORRECT ANSWER- the
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 ANSWER- Any 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 ANSWER- Central heating/air
conditioning, Central vacuum, Doors, windows, awnings, and Communication systems.
What is NOT considered H.I.? - CORRECT ANSWER- Construction 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 ANSWER- When 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 ANSWER- When it is a standalone job not part of of other home
improvement work.
Who is a "contractor"? - CORRECT ANSWER- Anyone 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 ANSWER- A contractor may be
an individual, a firm, a company, a partnership, or a corporation.
, What is a H.I. contract? - CORRECT ANSWER- An agreement between a contractor and a
consumer or tenant for performance of a home improvement
What must a H.I. contract detail? - CORRECT ANSWER- All labor, services, and materials
to be furnished and performed.
Who is a "salesperson"? - CORRECT ANSWER- Someone 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 ANSWER- Any 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 ANSWER- No
What is the maximum amount an H.I. job can be to not require a licensed contractor? -
CORRECT ANSWER- $200
Do plumbers and electricians who do not perform work outside their trade need a H.I.
license? - CORRECT ANSWER- No, they have their own trade licenses.
When would an architect or engineer involved with an H.I. project need a contractor's
license? - CORRECT ANSWER- If they are physically performing H.I. functions outside the
scope of an architect or engineer.
Must a H.I. Contractor license be posted? - CORRECT ANSWER- Yes, 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 ANSWER- 10 days
How many business locations can a H.I. Contractor's license cover? - CORRECT ANSWER-
One. A seperate license is required for each place of business.
