Hickory - NYC Home Improvement Knowledge Base

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Learn the ins and outs of home improvement contracting in NYC.

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How to Get Your Home Improvement Contractor License

Everything you need to know about getting licensed in New York City

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Getting Started

Getting Your License

A complete breakdown of NYC's licensing requirements, from fingerprints to the exam

Forming Your Business

How to get your business legally formed and ready for licensing

Home Improvement Contractor Exam Guide

What's on the test, how to pass, and what NYC expects you to know

Business Basics

Business Essentials

A simple, low-cost, safe, and compliant setup for first-time contractors

Choosing a Business Structure

Learn the basics of Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, and Partnerships, and which to choose for your business.

Contract Requirements

What must be in your contract to comply with NYC law

Getting a Business Bank Account

Where to open your account and what documents you'll need

HIC vs. General Contractor

Understanding the two licensing paths for construction work in NYC

Sales Tax

Capital improvement vs. taxable repair: How to classify jobs correctly

Trust Fund vs. Surety Bond

Learn which option saves you money and hassle

Permits & Regulations

EPA Requirements

RRP, Abatement, or Neither: How to comply with DCWP's lead-safety rules

Permits

NB, ALT1, ALT2, or ALT3: How NYC classifies construction projects

Insurance

Insurance Requirements

General Liability, Workers' Comp, and what DCWP actually requires

Workers' Compensation

What it is, when it's required, and how to prove compliance to DCWP

Working with Others

Employees (W-2) vs. Contractors (1099)

How to determine worker classification in NYC

Understanding 1099 Forms

1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, and when to use each form

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