The 10 Best New York, NY General Contractors

In New York City, you must hire a 'home improvement contractor’ (HIC) for any construction or home improvement work that costs more than $200, labor and materials combined.

Licensing for home improvement contractors in New York City is regulated by the City’s Department of Consumer Affairs. Applicants must pass an exam that tests knowledge of applicable laws and contracts, submit their fingerprints and undergo a criminal history background check. To be licensed, a contractor must show proof of minimum general liability insurance, worker’s compensation, disability insurance and financial solvency, meaning the applicant’s operating capital shall exceed $25,000. Contractors must pay a licensing fee, renewable every two years, and either hold a surety bond or pay $200 into DCA’s Trust Fund at the time of each renewal.

Licensed contractors are required to hold general liability insurance with a $1,000,000 minimum policy, worker’s compensation and disability insurance. Request a copy of each insurance certificate for your records before any work begins.

In general, all new construction, demolition and major additions or renovations to buildings in New York City will require a building permit. Specifically, the removal of any part of a wall, floor or roof, the removal, cutting or modification of structural supports, beams, or required means of egress, and/or the rearrangement or relocation of any part of the building that affects exit, light, health, ventilation or elevator requirements requires a permit. If you are unsure whether your project requires a building permit, you should contact the Building Department Office for your Borough.

The New York City Department of Buildings is responsible for issuing permits and ensuring project compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. It operates offices in each Borough of the City. Almost always, you will need to hire a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Architect to submit construction plans for approval. After approval, your contractor can then apply for and acquire the necessary building permits. The Department of Buildings offers numerous services to assist throughout the permitting process. For most projects you must attend a Plan Examination Appointment to obtain a building permit. More details are available on the New York City Department of Buildings website.

Homeowners in New York City who have suffered financial loss caused by dishonest or incompetent conduct of a licensed contractor may have access to up to $20,000 compensation from the DCA’s Home Improvement Business Trust Fund. Licensed contractors who do not pay into the Trust Fund must hold a $20,000 Surety Bond to perform work on residential properties.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs; building permit data, gathered from the New York City Department of Buildings; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in New York City, New York. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in New York City. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.