Whether you are planning to remodel your home or just add some improvements to the exterior or interior of your house, there are several important things to keep in mind. These include the cost and value of the project, the licensing and permits needed, as well as penalties against contractors.
License requirements
Whether you are an individual or a business, you will need to be licensed to perform home improvement work in New York. This means you will have to be registered with the New York City Attorney General’s Office and follow the laws that apply to your industry.
You will have to take a home improvement exam before you can be licensed. This exam is hosted by the New York Department of Consumer Affairs. You have 30 days to take the exam. If you pass, you will be issued a certificate of competency. If you do not pass, your application will be denied.
Penalties against contractors
Fortunately, the government has enacted laws that protect homeowners from fraudulent or unlicensed contractors. For example, New York’s Consumer Protection Act includes significant remedies for contractors who mislead or fail to perform under a contract.
In addition to the state’s general protections for consumers, the state’s Consumer Fraud Act offers triple damages for deceptive or unfair acts by home improvement contractors. The law also requires home improvement contractors to provide detailed written contracts for home improvement projects.
Another law that protects homeowners is the Payment Protection Law. This law requires contractors to refund money when a homeowner does not receive the services or material that was agreed upon in the contract.
Cost vs. value of projects
Choosing the right home improvement projects can increase your home’s value. However, not every home improvement project is worth the cost. In fact, you may not see a return on your investment when it’s time to sell.
A good way to determine whether your home improvement project is worth the cost is to see how well it performs in the real estate market. There are many factors that determine how well it performs, such as the region you live in, the neighborhood, the size of the home, and the level of service. Luckily, there are home improvement reports that will give you a clear idea of the value of your home improvements.
Capital improvement exemption from labor tax
Whether you are performing work on a residential or commercial property, you need to know how to obtain and use the capital improvement exemption from labor tax. Capital improvements include renovations, additions to real property, and ground up construction projects. They are designed to enhance the value of an existing building, or to prolong the useful life of an existing building.
Capital improvements are not subject to sales tax. Contractors are responsible for paying tax on materials they purchase to complete capital improvement projects. Depending on the classification of the project, some materials purchased may be exempt. However, certain services may be subject to tax even when they are part of a capital improvement project.