How to Check a Westchester Contractor's License Before You Sign

Westchester County's Department of Consumer Protection says that home improvement contractors, including waterproofing contractors, require a county license. The county also publishes a searchable list of licensed contractors. A few minutes of checking before you sign is the best protection you have.

Quick diagnosis checklist

  1. Ask for the license number. The county says a home improvement contract must include the contractor's license number. Ask for it up front and write it down.
  2. Search the county list. Use the Westchester County licensed-contractor search (linked below), or call the Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155. Search by the company's legal name, which can differ from the name on its truck or website.
  3. Check the expiry date. Licenses are issued for a set period. Make sure it is current on the day you sign.
  4. Check complaints. The county suggests contacting Consumer Protection to check a company's license and complaint history before you sign any contract or give any money.
  5. Ask about plumbing and electrical work. Plumbers and electricians are licensed separately by the county trades licensing office, so a sump pump job with new plumbing or wiring may involve a second license.
  6. Check mold licenses separately. Mold assessors and remediators are licensed by the NYS Department of Labor, not the county. See our mold guide.
  7. Get a written contract. The county says all contracts must be in writing and signed by all parties, and must include the contractor's name, address, phone and license number, a three-business-day cancellation notice, start and completion dates, a specific description of the work and materials with price, and an escrow or bond clause for progress payments.
  8. Watch the red flags. The county tells homeowners to avoid contractors who knock on doors or telemarket, use high-pressure pitches, ask for cash or more than one-third of the total before work begins, or ask you to pull the permits.

DIY or call a pro?

This is a job for you, not a contractor. Check the license yourself on the day you sign, get the license number printed on the contract, and ask for a certificate of insurance. Contractors who work in Yonkers also need a license from that city, per the county's guidance. This site is a directory, not a licensing authority, and a listing here is not an endorsement.

Frequently asked questions

Does waterproofing count as home improvement?

Yes. Westchester County's Department of Consumer Protection lists waterproofing among its examples of home improvement work.

What happens to contractors who work without a license?

The county says contractors who operate without a license are guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year, a $5,000 fine or both.

What if my contractor is not in the search?

Search the legal name, the owner's name and variations. If you cannot find a license, ask the contractor for the license number and call the county at (914) 995-2155 before signing or paying anything.

Can I file a complaint?

Yes. The county says Consumer Protection helps free of charge, and you can file online or call (914) 995-2155.

Sources

  1. Westchester County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Choosing a Home Improvement Contractor
  2. Westchester County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Home Improvement Contractors
  3. Westchester County, Licensed Home Improvement Contractor Search
  4. Westchester County Dept. of Consumer Protection, Home Improvement Licensing Fees
  5. Westchester County, Plumbing and Electrical Trade License Search
  6. NYS Department of Labor, Mold Program

Who to call

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