If you carry out a renovation project that requires a building permit without having one, the town can issue a “Stop Work” and or a “Cease and Desist” order, which remains in effect until you obtain a permit.
The Rules of the City of New York §101-14 requires that backyard sheds meet the following requirements: Size: Up to 120 square feet – no permits needed. Above 121 square feet – plans, approval, and permits required.
New York state law requires a contractor to provide a written contract for home improvement work. The contract should include a timeline for work to be completed, a payment schedule and as many specifics as possible about the project, such as types or brands of materials.
If all documentation is received and insurance papers are in order usually within a day or two. However, new construction, major additions, and other permits could take up to two weeks depending on workload.
A New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) must submit construction plans to obtain a permit. A Department plan examiner will review the plans for any legal/zoning objections. When objections are satisfied, the Department will approve the application.
Yes, you need a general contractor license to operate in many regions of the State of New York. However, contractor licensing happens at the county and city levels, so before you begin a project, you will need to determine the specific requirements for the region in which you want to work.
Finally, you can also check state-issued licenses by contacting the DOL at (518) 457-9000 and (888) 469-7365.
Thankfully, there are several options available to you for solving disputes against a contractor, some of these include submitting a complaint to the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (also known as the DCWP/DCA), and filing a lawsuit in small claims court.