The Complete Remodeling Learning Guide

Select a Contractor

Verify the license or registration required where the home is located before hiring. New York home-improvement licensing is handled locally; there is no single statewide New York home-improvement contractor license. For other New York locations, confirm requirements with the county or city consumer protection office.

Match the contractor's legal business name and license or registration number to the official record. Confirm current status, expiration date, and any restrictions or work categories with the issuing authority; a credential from another jurisdiction does not establish authorization for your project.

Request current proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage as applicable, and confirm coverage with the insurer. Check any separate electrical, plumbing, or other trade-license requirements with the relevant licensing office and local building department.

Ask for examples of comparable completed projects and recent customer references, and contact those references. Evaluate experience with your scope and local approval process rather than relying on a fixed minimum number of years.

• For Rockland County work, check the county-issued Home Improvement Contractor license in the Licensed Businesses directory or contact the Office of Consumer Protection. Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection — Licensed Businesses
• For Westchester County work, verify the county Home Improvement Contractor license with the Department of Consumer Protection. Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection — Home Improvement Contractors
• For New Jersey work, including Bergen County, verify the Home Improvement Contractor Business registration with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Verify a Registration
• For Connecticut work, including Fairfield County, verify the Home Improvement Contractor registration through the Department of Consumer Protection's eLicense lookup. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection — Home Improvement for Consumers
• Review the New York Attorney General's homeowner guidance for references, insurance, contracts, and local licensing checks. New York Attorney General — Hiring a home-improvement contractor

Can I live at home during the remodel?

It depends on the project. Before deciding to stay, confirm safe access, functioning kitchen and bathroom facilities, and any periods when you need to stay elsewhere with your project team. Agree in writing who is responsible for dust control, protection of occupied areas, and cleanup. Rockland Design Factory rents temporary kitchens as a standalone service; you do not need to hire us for your remodel. Confirm the rental setup, included equipment, service location, timing, duration, and availability for your project before relying on it; a rental does not establish that the home is safe to occupy.