Home Improvement Contractor Training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the home improvement contractors training course?

  • The home-improvement contractors training course is specifically designed for Chinese immigrants here in New York.  It will be taught in Mandarin and English, placing emphasis upon knowledge of the regulations required to pass the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) licensing examinations.

 Who should take the training course?

  • Any home improvement worker in the Chinese community who wishes to start a business or anyone who solicits, negotiates or offers to negotiate a home improvement contract with a property owner should take this course and prepare for the DCA licensing examination.

 Why is QEDC sponsoring this training course?

  • Over the past year, we have been hearing from more and more people in the Chinese community that there is a growing demand for a course like this.  We identified the home-improvement industry as one in which both industry professionals and consumers alike were interested in seeing the industry grow and develop.  The first step to doing this will be to engage home improvement professionals and help them get licensed by the DCA.

 What licenses will home improvement workers need to get?

  • The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs requires that any home improvement project that costs over $200 requires a home-improvement contractor's license.  There are in fact two licenses that the DCA provides.  The first is the Home Improvement Contractor's license.  The second is the Home Improvement Salesperson's license.  Each home improvement business is required to have both of these licenses.

 Who is a home improvement contractor?

  • A person or business must have a Home Improvement Contractor license if engaged in the construction, repair, remodeling, or addition to any land or building used as a residence.

 Who is a home improvement salesperson?

  • You must have a Home Improvement Salesperson license if you solicit, negotiate or offer to negotiate a home improvement contract with a property owner.

 Who does not require a license?

  • Employees of a home improvement contractor who do not solicit, negotiate or offer to negotiate a home improvement contract with a property owner do not require a home improvement contractor or salespersons license.  Plumbers and electricians receive separate licensing from the NYC Department of Buildings.

What are the benefits of getting a license?

  • Getting a home improvement contractor's license can help protect business owners from fraud and professional liability.  Once licensed, you will also be eligible for contracts guaranteed to minority business owners by the government.

 Is the course free?

  • The training course in preparation for the DCA licensing is not free.  The exact cost has not yet been decided, but the costs will be  $150.  The business counseling services that QEDC offers are free, however, not only for home improvement contractors but for anyone hoping to start a business.

When are the classes?

  • Classes will begin in January, but participants can learn more about the training course beforehand via two-hour orientation sessions. The sessions will take place at 39-01 Main St., Ste. 509 in Flushing on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. (Classes will take place at the same location.)

How do I sign up?