NY HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR
EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
What is the definition of "home improvement" (H.I.)? (C R R R A A I) -
ANSWER the construction, repair, remodelling, modification, rehabilitation,
renovation, improvement, or addition to any land or building used as a
habitation or living space.
What areas of a home can an H.I. cover? - ANSWER Any component of the
house or property (including basements, driveways, fences, garages,
landscaping, patios, porches, walkways, swimming pools and terraces).
What system installations are part of H.I.? (4) - Answer Central heating and air
conditioning, central vacuum, doors, windows, awnings and communication
systems.
What isn't deemed H.I. - ANSWER Construction of a new home or structure.
Sale of goods or materials in relation to the installation or application of goods
or materials, Work done on a residence owned or controlled by the state or
municipality.
When is painting or decorating a structure, dwelling, home, or flat considered
high-impact? - ANSWER When painting is part of a larger home repair project.
When is painting or decorating a structure, dwelling, home, or flat not
considered high-impact? - ANSWER When it is a stand-alone job and not part
of a larger home improvement project.
Who is a "contractor"? - ANSWER Anyone who owns, runs, maintains,
conducts, controls, or transacts in the home improvement business and
undertakes or promises to do any home improvement.
, What legal entity must a contractor be? - ANSWER A contractor can be a
person, a business, a partnership, or a corporation.
What is an H.I. contract? - ANSWER An agreement between a contractor and a
consumer or tenant to do a home improvement.
What must an H.I. contract include? - ANSWER All labour, services, and
materials will be provided and performed.
Who is a "salesperson"? - ANSWER Someone who negotiates or solicits a
home improvement contract from an owner or tenant.
Who must hold a DCA licence? - ANSWER Anyone who solicits, canvasses,
sells, performs, or receives an H.I. contract as a contractor or salesperson must
hold a DCA license.
Does a contractor's employee who does not solicit or negotiate contracts need to
be licensed? - Answer: No.
What is the maximum amount an H.I. job may be without requiring a licensed
contractor? - ANSWER: $200
Do plumbers and electricians who do not undertake work outside of their trade
require an H.I. licence? - ANSWER No, they hold their own trade licenses.
When would an architect or engineer working on an H.I. project need a
contractor's licence? - ANSWER If they physically perform H.I. activities
beyond the limits of an architect or engineer.
Must an H.I. Contractor licence be displayed? - ANSWER Yes, it must be
posted in the Contractor's office for all customers to see, or shown to consumers
upon request.
What is the deadline for reporting a change in business address, ownership,
management, or trade name to the DCA? - ANSWER: Ten days
How many company locations may a Home Improvement Contractor's licence
cover? - ANSWER One: Each place of business requires a separate licence.
EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS
What is the definition of "home improvement" (H.I.)? (C R R R A A I) -
ANSWER the construction, repair, remodelling, modification, rehabilitation,
renovation, improvement, or addition to any land or building used as a
habitation or living space.
What areas of a home can an H.I. cover? - ANSWER Any component of the
house or property (including basements, driveways, fences, garages,
landscaping, patios, porches, walkways, swimming pools and terraces).
What system installations are part of H.I.? (4) - Answer Central heating and air
conditioning, central vacuum, doors, windows, awnings and communication
systems.
What isn't deemed H.I. - ANSWER Construction of a new home or structure.
Sale of goods or materials in relation to the installation or application of goods
or materials, Work done on a residence owned or controlled by the state or
municipality.
When is painting or decorating a structure, dwelling, home, or flat considered
high-impact? - ANSWER When painting is part of a larger home repair project.
When is painting or decorating a structure, dwelling, home, or flat not
considered high-impact? - ANSWER When it is a stand-alone job and not part
of a larger home improvement project.
Who is a "contractor"? - ANSWER Anyone who owns, runs, maintains,
conducts, controls, or transacts in the home improvement business and
undertakes or promises to do any home improvement.
, What legal entity must a contractor be? - ANSWER A contractor can be a
person, a business, a partnership, or a corporation.
What is an H.I. contract? - ANSWER An agreement between a contractor and a
consumer or tenant to do a home improvement.
What must an H.I. contract include? - ANSWER All labour, services, and
materials will be provided and performed.
Who is a "salesperson"? - ANSWER Someone who negotiates or solicits a
home improvement contract from an owner or tenant.
Who must hold a DCA licence? - ANSWER Anyone who solicits, canvasses,
sells, performs, or receives an H.I. contract as a contractor or salesperson must
hold a DCA license.
Does a contractor's employee who does not solicit or negotiate contracts need to
be licensed? - Answer: No.
What is the maximum amount an H.I. job may be without requiring a licensed
contractor? - ANSWER: $200
Do plumbers and electricians who do not undertake work outside of their trade
require an H.I. licence? - ANSWER No, they hold their own trade licenses.
When would an architect or engineer working on an H.I. project need a
contractor's licence? - ANSWER If they physically perform H.I. activities
beyond the limits of an architect or engineer.
Must an H.I. Contractor licence be displayed? - ANSWER Yes, it must be
posted in the Contractor's office for all customers to see, or shown to consumers
upon request.
What is the deadline for reporting a change in business address, ownership,
management, or trade name to the DCA? - ANSWER: Ten days
How many company locations may a Home Improvement Contractor's licence
cover? - ANSWER One: Each place of business requires a separate licence.
