Home Improvement Examination with 100% correct answers already graded A+

How does a person obtain a license or renew a license? Department of Buildings What does DCA stand for? Department of Consumer Affairs What does DOT stand for? Department of Transportation Define home improvement. The construction, repair, replacement, remodeling, alteration, conversion, rehabilitation, renovation, modernization, improvement, or addition to any land or building or any part of the land or building used or designed to be used as a residence or dwelling place, including basements, driveways, fences, garages, landscaping, patios, porches, sidewalks, swimming pools, and terraces. Home improvement includes, among other things, installation of: central heating/air conditioning, central vacuum cleaning system, storm windows, awnings, and communication systems. True or False True What is not considered home improvement? - Construction of new home - Sales of goods or materials in connection with the installation of or application of goods and materials - Work performed on residence owned or controlled by the state or municipality - Painting or decorating of a building, residence, home, or apartment, when not related to home improvement Who is a contractor? Anyone who owns, operate, maintains, conducts, controls, or transacts a home improvement business and undertakes or agrees to perform any home improvement, whether or not the contractor is a prime contractor or subcontractor with respect to the owner. A contractor may be________________________________. - An individual - A firm - A company - A partnership - A corporation What is a home improvement contract? An agreement, whether or not in writing, between a contractor and a consumer or tenant for performance of a home improvement and includes all labor, services, and materials to be furnished and performed. What is a home improvement salesperson? Someone who negotiate a home improvement contract with a consumer or tenant, or solicits a home improvement contract from an owner or tenant. Who must have a DCA license? Any person who solicits, canvasses, sells, performs, or obtains a home improvement contract as a contractor or salesperson. Who does not require a DCA license? - Individual who does not solicit or negotiate contracts on behalf of a contractor - Person performing home improvement jobs that are less than $200 - Plumbers & Electricians who don't do home improvement - Architect and engineers acting exclusively within the scope of their respective field Where must HIC license be posted? Post at office where all consumers can see it or show it to consumers upon request. What must I do in case of: change of business address, change of ownership, change of management, or change of business trade name? Notify DCA within 10 days How does a person obtain a license or renew a license? Submit application to DCA licensing center at 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 or online at A separate HIC license is required for each place of business. True or false? True How are renewals done and when? DCA will mail renewal package approximately 3 months prior to license expiration date. Renewals can be done by mail, in person, or online. License is typically valid for 2 years. What are the penalties for false or fraudulent representation? A contractor that lies... - Fines up to $500 for each separate representation - Contract entered into after misrepresentation may be declared null and void - Contractor may be ordered to pay restitution to the consumer Must a contractor furnish a consumer with a written estimate? Yes, if the consumer requests one. Fee can be charged but must be disclosed before providing the estimate and itemized in the estimate price If consumer wants more work done beyond what's in the original contract, what should a contractor do? Provide written amendment to the contract which must be signed by the contractor and consumer. What are prime contractor's duties and responsibilities? - Secure all necessary permits, licenses, COs, or exemptions necessary to complete the contract in accordance with state and local building laws. - Maintain copies of contracts, books of account, and other records reflecting all transactions related to the home improvement business for (6) years or the length of time of any contractual guarantee, whichever is longer. - Must use all funds received to pay expenses directly related to the home improvement. - No work can be performed or money paid until after the 3-day cancellation period. Contractor may not use funds received to pay expenses unrelated to the home improvement, unless the home improvement is completed and all expenses for direct labor, material, and subcontractors related to the home improvement has been paid. True or False True Can a contractor abandon or fail to perform work? No Contractors cannot make any substantial misrepresentation in the solicitation of a home improvement contract? True or false? True Contractors cannot commit fraud in the execution of a contractor, mortgage, promissory note, or document related to the home improvement transaction. True or false? True Contractors cannot publish any advertisement that contains false, deceptive, or misleading representations. True or false? True Contractors cannot violate building, sanitary, fire, and health laws. True or false? True Can contractors fail to notify DCA of ownership and management changes? No Contractors cannot conduct the home improvement business in any name other than the one licensed. True or false? True Contractors cannot act as an agent for, or advertise, promote, or arrange a home loan or home loan improvement loan for consumer. True or false? True What are the penalties for operating a home improvement business without a license? Misdemeanor, each violation is separate - Criminal penalty - up to 6 months imprisonment and/or $1000 fine - Civil penalty - fines up $100 per day for aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed person or business - DCA can padlock (close down) and confiscate (take) the tools and trucks used in connection with unlicensed home improvement work. True or False. HI contract must contain: date of transaction, contractor's name, office address/telephone number, DCA license number, salesperson name/DCA license number? True