Home Improvement Contractor (HIC)

A Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) is any person or business that performs, offers to perform, or solicits residential home improvement work in New York City. This includes construction, repair, remodeling, renovation, and related services on houses, apartments, co-ops, and condos.

Under NYC law, anyone doing more than $200 of home improvement work must hold a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license. Contractors can be individuals, LLCs, corporations, or partnerships. The term covers both prime contractors and subcontractors working on qualifying jobs.

HICs are required to follow strict licensing, contract, advertising, payment, escrow, and permitting rules defined in the NYC Administrative Code and DCWP regulations. Homeowners are encouraged to verify an HIC’s license before hiring.