Westchester officials offer tips for hiring home improvement contractors this spring

To protect homeowners and business owners, all home improvement contractors must be properly licensed to work in Westchester, and not on the list of “renegade renovators,” according to county officials.

“Operating without a home improvement license is a violation of law in Westchester County,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer said. “so if you’re hiring a contractor to do home improvement work, please make sure you ask the contractor to show you a license from our Consumer Protection Department.”

A list of all licensed contractors and a list of contractors that homeowners should avoid (“renegade renovators”) can be found on the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department webpage.

Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano added: “There are over 8,000 licensed contractors in Westchester to pick from, you have options and we are here to help.”

Officials added: “Consumers should know that the Department is vigilant in following up on formal complaints against contractors and will take legal action against contractors who operate without a license or violate the terms of their contracts. Complaints can be filed online on the department’s webpage.”

Tips for Hiring Home Improvement Contractors:

Licensed home improvement contractors must display a green sticker on the rear bumper of their vehicles, which indicates the expiration date of their license.
For any hired work there must be a written contract between the parties. All work to be performed must be spelled out, including the estimated start and completion dates and the total price, including the costs of labor and materials and any schedule of payments.
Review the Department’s webpage which offers helpful advice to consumers about hiring a contractor including a printable pamphlet.
Get references from friends.
Review proposals from at least three licensed contractors.
Be wary of all unsolicited phone calls and door-to-door sales.

Additional information is available at www.consumer.westchestergov.com or contact the Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155 or email ConPro@westchestercountyny.gov for assistance.

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