Royce Custom Homes

General Contracting

The Counties of Nassau and Suffolk issue contracting licenses to those who meet the qualifications and standards set forth by the Department of Consumer Affairs. A contracting license is no longer a 'make-up-a-name', fill-out-a-form', 'pay-a-fee' and 'get-a-license' deal. It is now a serious investigation into your credentials, experience, and personal history in business.
A search is done by your social security number, no longer by your name. This reveals everything you have personally been involved in with regard to contracting businesses, bankrupt companies, and legal actions.
This is good for the good guys, bad for the bad guys!

A license is typically granted to perform a specific and specialized trade, like Masonry, Framing Carpenter, or Siding. If you can demonstrate adequate experience and
knowledge with regard to many trades and the proper management of general
construction, you may be granted a General Contractor's License. This license allows  the holder to legally offer all home improvement trades, whether performed by employees or sub-contracted to other licensed sub-contractors of a particular trade.

As in most counties in NY State, it is illegal to offer any home improvement without a
license. To do so risks confiscation of the vehicle and tools, the job-site being shut  down, and fine or imprisonment.  Also, without a Home Improvement License, the contractor cannot be legitimately insured, either for General Liability or Worker's Compensation. This leaves you, the home owner, holding the liability for everything   that happens on your
job-site.

Remember! A licensed contractor of a particular trade can only, legally, offer services in that trade. To offer or contract other trades is illegal. Only a Licensed General Contractor can offer all trades. This is why it is so important to see your contractor's license and note what type of license he or she holds.

EXAMPLE: