Is a Home Improvement Contractor’s license required if the GC is already licensed by the Dept of Buildings? The work being performed is in a Co-op and the applications are signed by the Management company but the home owner is hiring the Contractor. Clarification of the HIC rule is appreciated.


DOB

Comments

  1. 1 – A NYC GC license is for only 1,2 and 3 family residences.
    2 – Most NYC contractors will not bother with a GC license unless that is their market.
    3 – Go to NYCDOB website and search for HIC-1 form.

  2. An HIC is usually required for the following:

    1,2,3 and 4 family homes for renovations (not new buildings or extensions)
    or co-op and condominium individual units. However, this requirement can always be exempted if the GC or owner fills out the HIC waiver.

    In addition, DOB examiners don’t put it in a lot of times.

  3. HIC is a “step-down” from a General Contractor’s license. Some work does not require a GC, thus an HIC is sufficient. Should not be the other way around. If you have a licensed GC, then you should not be required to supply HIC.