In order to obtain the necessary municipality permits to provide home improvement services in the State of New Jersey, individuals must first register as a Home Improvement Contractor under regulations established by the Division of Consumer Affairs. The Division, falling under the Department of Law & Public Safety, is responsible for establishing application requirements, issuing registrations and punishing misconduct. To register as a Home Improvement Contractor, candidates must submit an application with proper fees and certain supporting documents. License holders of certain professions regulated elsewhere by the Division are not required to register.

Obtaining a license

General

The Contractors’ Registration Act mandates that contractors who supply home improvement services on homes in New Jersey must register annually with the Division. Candidates for registration as a Home Improvement Contractor must complete and submit an application on the proper form, including certain supporting documents and a processing fee. Municipalities are prohibited from issuing construction permits to unregistered contractors.

Application for registration with the Division

Applications for proper registration as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Division must include:

• A Disclosure Statement regarding any criminal history of the applicant, or any owners, officers or other executives in the case of a business entity;
• Proof that the applicant has acquired and currently maintains, in its legal name as “insured,” a policy of commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage in the amount of $500,000 per occurrence; and,
• A registration fee of $90.

The application can be completed online or printed and submitted to the Division.

Who must register

Any contractor who provides home improvement services shall register with the Division, whether individually or as a business entity, including services such as:

• Remodeling;
• Painting;
• Demolishing;
• Repair of doors, windows, fences, porches and other residential structures;
• Basement waterproofing;
• Installation of security systems and fire protection devices;
• Landscaping, laying sod and establishing lawns;
• Installation of HVAC systems; and,
• Any other improvements to residential property.

Maintaining registration

Ongoing responsibilities

Home Improvement Contractors must adhere to ongoing responsibilities, such as abiding by the regulations established by the Division. Registrants must also prominently display their registration numbers at all places of business, on business cards, on commercial vehicles and on all business documents, including contracts for home improvement services.

Renewal

After the initial registration has been filed with the Division, Home Improvement Contractors must renew their registrations before December 31 annually. Reminders are mailed in October of every year with directions on how to renew, which can be sent to the Division or completed online.

Disciplinary actions

The Division handles all disciplinary actions with respect to Home Improvement Contractors, which may result in suspension or revocation of registration. Any contractor who fails to maintain a proper registration, including annual renewal requirements, are prohibited from providing home improvement services. Unregistered contractors are ineligible to obtain building permits issued by municipalities. Civil and criminal penalties can also result from providing home improvement services without obtaining the proper registration, including a fine of up to $10,000 for first offense and $20,000 for continued violations.

Registration exemption

Certain professionals holding valid licenses issued by the Division and regulated under separate agencies are not required to register, including architects, professional engineers, surveyors, plumbers, locksmiths and new home builders. As long as the licensee is acting within the scope of his or her license, registration is unnecessary. For example, an architect does not have to register for providing architect’s services, but registration is required for performing related engineering work.