WHITE PLAINS, NY — Springtime is when many start planning and doing home repairs.
The Westchester County Consumer Protection Department, which pursues violations of county law requiring home improvement contractors to be licensed to work in the county, is reminding consumers and contractors to understand and follow the laws.
County Executive George Latimer said operating without a home improvement license is a violation of county law.
“If you’re hiring a contractor to do home improvement work,” he said, “be sure to ask to see the contractor’s license.”
A list of all licensed contractors and a list of “renegade renovators” — contractors that homeowners should avoid — can be found on the department’s webpage.
Also, residents should note that licensed home improvement contractors must display a green sticker on the rear bumper of their vehicles, which indicates the expiration date of the license.
Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano said that consumers need to do their homework before hiring a home improvement contractor.
“The first step is to review the list of licensed contractors which can be found on our webpage,” he said. “There are more than 8,000 contractors licensed to do work in Westchester.”
Tips for Consumers Seeking Home Improvement Contractors
