NewJerseyHomeBuilders.net

In addition to registering home builders, New Jersey also requires that all home improvement contractors also be registered with the state. This was enacted in May 2004 as an amendment to the Consumer Fraud Act and has been effective since December 31, 2005.

 

Home improvement contractors are defined as those who do any remodeling, altering, painting, repairing, renovating, restoring, moving, demolishing or modernization of or making additions to residential or non-commercial property.

 

Home improvement contractors must show proof of registration in order to get permits from local officials.

 

Registered Home Improvement Contractor Responsibilities

Home improvement contractors are required to display their registration number (NJHIC#) at their place of business, on vehicles, in advertisements, and on all business documents.

 

Any home improvement contract for work costing more than $500 must contain:

 

• The legal business name and address and the sales representatives name and address
• The contractor's registration number
• signatures of both the contractor and the consumer
• total price for the work ( including finance charges)
• A detailed description of the work to be performed
• A statement of any guarantee or warranty to products, materials, labor or services made by the seller
• Start and completion dates and time period for the project
• A copy of the certificate of commercial general liability insurance must be attached to the contract.
• The following notice to the consumer in 10- point bold face type:

"YOU MAY CANCEL THIS CONTRACT AT ANY TIME BEFORE MIDNIGHT OF THE THIRD BUSINESS DAY AFTER RECEIVING A COPY OF THIS CONTRACT. IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL THIS CONTRACT, YOU MUST EITHER: 1. SEND A SIGNED AND DATED WRITTEN NOTICE OF CANCELLATION BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED; OR
2. PERSONALLY DELIVER A SIGNED AND DATED WRITTEN NOTICE OF CANCELLATION TO:

(Contractor's Name, Address and phone numberr)

If you cancel this contract within the three day period, you are entitled to a full refund of your money. Refunds must be made within 30 days of the contractor’s receipt of the cancellation notice."

For more information

More information including updated contractor requirements (if any), NJ contractor registration forms and the current New Jersey building codes and standards can be found on the New Jersey Division of Codes and Standards website.