NY HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR
PRACTICE EXAMINATION 2026
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◍ What are the penalties for false or fraudulent representation by a
contractor?.
Answer: Civil fines of up to $500 for each misrepresentation and potential
nullification of the contract.
◍ When can work be performed and money paid in a home improvement
contract?.
Answer: Only after the 3-day cancellation period.
◍ What is one action a contractor cannot take?.
Answer: Abandon or fail to perform agreed-upon work.
◍ When is Painting or decoration of a building, residence, home, or apartment
considered H.I.?.
Answer: When there is painting work being done as part of other home
improvement work.
◍ What must every home improvement contract include?.
Answer: It must be in writing and signed by all parties involved.
◍ What happens if a contractor fails to notify DCWP of a change in business
ownership?.
Answer: It is a violation of regulations.
◍ What is the consequence of a contractor making substantial
misrepresentation?.
Answer: They may face civil penalties and the contract may be declared null
and void.
, ◍ Who does not require a DCWP license?.
Answer: Employees of contractors, individuals performing jobs under $200,
and licensed plumbers and electricians.
◍ What is net profit of a job?.
Answer: The final profit of any job after expenses.
◍ What must a H.I. contract detail?.
Answer: All labor, services, and materials to be furnished and performed.
◍ Change of business address, ownership, management, or trade name must be
reported to DCA within how many days?.
Answer: 10 days
◍ Who must have a DCWP license?.
Answer: Any person who solicits or performs home improvement contracts
must have a DCWP license.
◍ Who is a "contractor"?.
Answer: Anyone who owns, operates, maintains, conducts, controls, or
transacts a home improvement business and undertakes or agrees to perform
any home improvement.
◍ Where does a contractor go to secure a permit for an addition or alteration to
a house?.
Answer: The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
◍ Do plumbers and electricians who do not perform work outside their trade
need a H.I. license?.
Answer: No, they have their own trade licenses.
◍ What must a contractor do if there are any changes to the completion date?.
Answer: Include a statement in the contract regarding anything that would
alter the approximate completion date.
◍ What is the prosecution and fine penalties for engaging in unlicensed
activity or aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed person or
business?.
PRACTICE EXAMINATION 2026
QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS GRADED A+
◍ What are the penalties for false or fraudulent representation by a
contractor?.
Answer: Civil fines of up to $500 for each misrepresentation and potential
nullification of the contract.
◍ When can work be performed and money paid in a home improvement
contract?.
Answer: Only after the 3-day cancellation period.
◍ What is one action a contractor cannot take?.
Answer: Abandon or fail to perform agreed-upon work.
◍ When is Painting or decoration of a building, residence, home, or apartment
considered H.I.?.
Answer: When there is painting work being done as part of other home
improvement work.
◍ What must every home improvement contract include?.
Answer: It must be in writing and signed by all parties involved.
◍ What happens if a contractor fails to notify DCWP of a change in business
ownership?.
Answer: It is a violation of regulations.
◍ What is the consequence of a contractor making substantial
misrepresentation?.
Answer: They may face civil penalties and the contract may be declared null
and void.
, ◍ Who does not require a DCWP license?.
Answer: Employees of contractors, individuals performing jobs under $200,
and licensed plumbers and electricians.
◍ What is net profit of a job?.
Answer: The final profit of any job after expenses.
◍ What must a H.I. contract detail?.
Answer: All labor, services, and materials to be furnished and performed.
◍ Change of business address, ownership, management, or trade name must be
reported to DCA within how many days?.
Answer: 10 days
◍ Who must have a DCWP license?.
Answer: Any person who solicits or performs home improvement contracts
must have a DCWP license.
◍ Who is a "contractor"?.
Answer: Anyone who owns, operates, maintains, conducts, controls, or
transacts a home improvement business and undertakes or agrees to perform
any home improvement.
◍ Where does a contractor go to secure a permit for an addition or alteration to
a house?.
Answer: The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB).
◍ Do plumbers and electricians who do not perform work outside their trade
need a H.I. license?.
Answer: No, they have their own trade licenses.
◍ What must a contractor do if there are any changes to the completion date?.
Answer: Include a statement in the contract regarding anything that would
alter the approximate completion date.
◍ What is the prosecution and fine penalties for engaging in unlicensed
activity or aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed person or
business?.
