NYC HOME IMPROVEMENT EXAM
LATEST VERSION
DOB - ANSWER Department of Building
Department of Consumer Affairs - ANSWER
Department of Transportation - ANSWER
What is a home improvement? - ANSWER Construction, repair, replacement,
remodling, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, renovation, modernization,
improvement, or addition to any land or building used or intended to be used as
a residence or dwelling place, including basements, driveways, fences, garages,
landscaping, patios, porches, sidewalks, swimming pools, and terraces.
What does home improvement entail? - ANSWER: Central heating/air
conditioning, vacuum cleaning system, and storm windows.
-Awnings
- Communication systems
What is not considered house improvement? - ANSWER: Construction of a
new home or building. - Sale of goods or materials for installation or
application. - Work on a state or municipality-owned residence. - Painting or
decorating a building, residence, home, or apartment, not related to home
improvement.
Who is a "salesperson"? - ANSWER A salesperson is someone who either
negotiates or solicits a home renovation contract from a homeowner or tenant.
Who is a contractor? - ANSWER A contractor is someone who owns, operates,
manages, conducts, controls, or transacts a home improvement business and
undertakes or agrees to perform any home improvement, regardless of whether
the contractor is a prime contractor or subcontractor for the owner.
, What is a home improvement contract? - ANSWER A "home improvement
contract" is an agreement, whether written or not, between a contractor and a
customer or tenant for the performance of a home improvement that includes all
labor, services, and materials to be provided and completed.
Who must hold a DCA license? - ANSWER Anyone who solicits, canvasses,
sells, performs, or gets a home improvement contract as a contractor or
salesperson is required to hold a DCA license.
Where should I put my HIC license? - ANSWER You must display your
license in your office for all consumers to view, or show it to them upon
request.
How many days must you tell DCA of any changes? - ANSWER: Within ten
days.
How can a person obtain or renew a license? - ANSWER You must apply to
DCA for a new or renewal license; a separate home-improvement contractor
license is necessary for each business location.
Is it necessary for a contractor to give a consumer a written estimate? -
ANSWER Yes, if the consumer requests one, you can charge a fee for the
estimate. However, you must disclose the fee to the client before providing the
estimate and itemize the fee in the overall anticipated contract price.
What are the penalties for making false or fraudulent representations? -
ANSWER A contractor or salesperson who lies is subject to fines of up to $500
for each separate misrepresentation. Furthermore, a contract entered into after
misrepresentation is made may be deemed null and invalid, and a contractor
may be compelled to make restitution to the customer.
What are the penalties for running a home improvement business without a
license? - ANSWER Anyone who owns or conducts a home improvement
business without a license, or after a license has been suspended or revoked, is
guilty of a misdemeanor and may be prosecuted criminally and liable to up to
six months imprisonment or $1000 in fines.