Suffolk County Home Improvement License
Questions and Complete Solutions Graded A+||
LATEST UPDATE 2026 PLUS A 30 MIN TIMED
MOCK EXAM
1. What is the primary purpose of the Suffolk County Home Improvement Law?
Answer: To protect the health, safety, and welfare of consumers
Rationale: The law exists to regulate contractors and prevent consumer fraud.
2. Who is considered a “consumer” under the law?
Answer: A person who purchases or leases home improvement services
Rationale: The law protects residential customers, not contractors.
3. Which best defines “home improvement”?
Answer: Repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, or modernizing a residence
Rationale: The definition is intentionally broad to cover most residential work.
4. Home maintenance differs from home improvement because it:
Answer: Does not change the structure or design of the home
Rationale: Maintenance is limited to minor repairs or upkeep.
5. A “licensee” is:
Answer: A person or entity legally authorized to perform home improvement work
Rationale: Only licensed individuals may legally engage in contracting.
Licensing Requirements
6. Is passing a written exam required for a Suffolk County license?
Answer: Yes
Rationale: Demonstrates knowledge of the law and consumer protections.
7. A contractor may legally perform home improvement work without a license if the
job is small.
Answer: False
Rationale: There is no dollar-amount exemption.
8. How long is a standard Suffolk County home improvement license valid?
Answer: Two years
Rationale: Licenses must be renewed biennially.
9. A license issued to one business may be transferred to another.
Answer: False
Rationale: Licenses are non-transferable.
10. Which is required before a license is issued?
Answer: Proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage
Rationale: Ensures financial responsibility.
, Advertising & Identification
11. All advertisements must include:
Answer: The contractor’s license number
Rationale: Allows consumers to verify legitimacy.
12. Advertising without a license number is allowed online but not in print.
Answer: False
Rationale: The rule applies to all advertising formats.
13. A home improvement salesperson must:
Answer: Carry a county-issued identification card
Rationale: Consumers must know who is soliciting them.
14. A salesperson may solicit contracts without being registered.
Answer: False
Rationale: Salespeople must be registered and carded.
15. Using a false business name in advertising is:
Answer: A deceptive trade practice
Rationale: Misrepresentation is prohibited.
Contracts & Consumer Protection
16. A home improvement contract must be:
Answer: In writing
Rationale: Written contracts are mandatory.
17. Which item is required in every home improvement contract?
Answer: Start date and completion date
Rationale: Prevents open-ended or abandoned projects.
18. A contract that does not list the total price is valid.
Answer: False
Rationale: Pricing transparency is required.
19. Deposits taken before work begins are:
Answer: Strictly limited by law
Rationale: Large upfront deposits are a common form of fraud.
20. Oral agreements are sufficient if both parties agree.
Answer: False
Rationale: Written contracts are required regardless of agreement.
Prohibited Acts
Questions and Complete Solutions Graded A+||
LATEST UPDATE 2026 PLUS A 30 MIN TIMED
MOCK EXAM
1. What is the primary purpose of the Suffolk County Home Improvement Law?
Answer: To protect the health, safety, and welfare of consumers
Rationale: The law exists to regulate contractors and prevent consumer fraud.
2. Who is considered a “consumer” under the law?
Answer: A person who purchases or leases home improvement services
Rationale: The law protects residential customers, not contractors.
3. Which best defines “home improvement”?
Answer: Repairing, remodeling, altering, converting, or modernizing a residence
Rationale: The definition is intentionally broad to cover most residential work.
4. Home maintenance differs from home improvement because it:
Answer: Does not change the structure or design of the home
Rationale: Maintenance is limited to minor repairs or upkeep.
5. A “licensee” is:
Answer: A person or entity legally authorized to perform home improvement work
Rationale: Only licensed individuals may legally engage in contracting.
Licensing Requirements
6. Is passing a written exam required for a Suffolk County license?
Answer: Yes
Rationale: Demonstrates knowledge of the law and consumer protections.
7. A contractor may legally perform home improvement work without a license if the
job is small.
Answer: False
Rationale: There is no dollar-amount exemption.
8. How long is a standard Suffolk County home improvement license valid?
Answer: Two years
Rationale: Licenses must be renewed biennially.
9. A license issued to one business may be transferred to another.
Answer: False
Rationale: Licenses are non-transferable.
10. Which is required before a license is issued?
Answer: Proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage
Rationale: Ensures financial responsibility.
, Advertising & Identification
11. All advertisements must include:
Answer: The contractor’s license number
Rationale: Allows consumers to verify legitimacy.
12. Advertising without a license number is allowed online but not in print.
Answer: False
Rationale: The rule applies to all advertising formats.
13. A home improvement salesperson must:
Answer: Carry a county-issued identification card
Rationale: Consumers must know who is soliciting them.
14. A salesperson may solicit contracts without being registered.
Answer: False
Rationale: Salespeople must be registered and carded.
15. Using a false business name in advertising is:
Answer: A deceptive trade practice
Rationale: Misrepresentation is prohibited.
Contracts & Consumer Protection
16. A home improvement contract must be:
Answer: In writing
Rationale: Written contracts are mandatory.
17. Which item is required in every home improvement contract?
Answer: Start date and completion date
Rationale: Prevents open-ended or abandoned projects.
18. A contract that does not list the total price is valid.
Answer: False
Rationale: Pricing transparency is required.
19. Deposits taken before work begins are:
Answer: Strictly limited by law
Rationale: Large upfront deposits are a common form of fraud.
20. Oral agreements are sufficient if both parties agree.
Answer: False
Rationale: Written contracts are required regardless of agreement.
Prohibited Acts
