Hiring a General Contractor in NYC: 9 Things Property Owners Should Know Before Starting a Project
Hiring the right general contractor in NYC can make the difference between a construction project that runs smoothly and one that becomes a costly headache.
New York properties come with their own challenges. Older buildings, changing weather, tight job sites, building codes, permits, sidewalk requirements and property violations can all affect how construction and repair work needs to be handled.
Whether you are repairing a roof, waterproofing a basement, restoring masonry, remodeling a kitchen or correcting a property violation, it is important to understand who you are hiring and what needs to happen before the work begins.
Here are nine things New York property owners should consider before hiring a contractor.
1. Make Sure the Contractor Is Properly Licensed and Insured
One of the first questions to ask any contractor is whether the company carries the licenses and insurance required for the type of work and jurisdiction involved.
For covered residential home-improvement work in New York City, contractors generally must meet licensing requirements established by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Property owners can also use the city's DCWP license search to research businesses that require a DCWP license.
Insurance is equally important. Construction involves risks to workers, customers, neighboring properties and the property itself.
Before signing a contract, ask about:
- Contractor licensing applicable to the project
- General liability insurance
- Workers' compensation coverage when applicable
- Required permits
- Who will be responsible for filing permits
- Whether subcontractors will be used
A professional contractor should be comfortable discussing the documentation associated with your project.
2. Understand Whether Your Project Requires a Permit
Not every repair requires the same approvals, but many construction and renovation projects in New York City require permits or filings.
The NYC Department of Buildings recommends that property owners determine whether a project requires a permit before beginning construction.
Depending on the scope of work, a project may also require plans prepared and submitted by a registered architect or professional engineer.
This becomes especially important when completing structural alterations, major renovations, additions or other work regulated by the NYC Construction Codes.
Do not assume that a project does not require a permit simply because it appears small.
When in doubt, determine the requirements before demolition or construction begins.
3. Hire a Contractor Experienced With Your Type of Property
Working on a detached home in the Bronx is different from working on a multi-family building in Brooklyn, a commercial storefront in Queens or a property in Westchester County.
Your contractor should understand the type of building being repaired.
At Standard General Construction, we provide residential and commercial construction services for property owners throughout New York City, Westchester County and Long Island.
Our work includes:
- Roofing
- Waterproofing
- Masonry
- Brick pointing
- Concrete work
- Kitchen and bathroom remodeling
- Basement remodeling
- Siding, gutters and leaders
- Fences and doors
- Interior and exterior construction
- Property repair
- Violation correction assistance
You can explore our complete construction services to learn more.
4. Don't Ignore Water Problems
Water is one of the biggest enemies of any building.
A small roof leak, deteriorating mortar joint or foundation crack can eventually allow moisture to reach areas that were never designed to handle it.
Common warning signs include:
- Ceiling stains
- Damp basement walls
- Musty odors
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Cracked masonry
- Standing water
- Moisture around windows
- Efflorescence or white residue on masonry
- Mold or mildew
- Repeated leaks after heavy rain
The key is finding the source of the water rather than simply covering the visible damage.
If water is entering from above, start by having the property's roofing system inspected.
If moisture is entering through foundation walls, exterior masonry or basement areas, professional waterproofing services may be necessary.
Addressing water intrusion early can help prevent the problem from spreading into additional areas of the property.
5. Inspect Your Masonry Before Small Problems Become Bigger Repairs
Brick and masonry buildings are a major part of New York's architecture, but exposure to rain, freezing temperatures, moisture and age can deteriorate mortar joints and masonry surfaces.
Watch for:
- Missing mortar
- Cracked bricks
- Loose masonry
- Bulging sections
- Gaps between bricks
- Water penetration
- Deteriorating steps
- Cracked concrete
- Damaged lintels
- Pieces of masonry falling from the building
If these conditions are visible, consider having the area evaluated.
Professional masonry services can address damaged brick, block, concrete and other exterior surfaces.
For buildings where the mortar joints are deteriorating, brick pointing can help restore deteriorated joints and protect the masonry system.
6. Know What Is Included in Your Estimate
Never compare contractor estimates based only on the final number.
A cheaper estimate may include significantly less work.
A professional construction estimate should clearly explain the scope whenever possible, including:
- Areas being repaired
- Materials being used
- Preparation work
- Removal of damaged materials
- Installation
- Cleanup
- Disposal
- Project exclusions
- Payment schedule
- Estimated project timeframe
- Additional work that could affect the price
For example, one roofing contractor may quote only a surface repair while another may include removal of damaged material, flashing repairs and waterproofing around penetration points.
Those are not necessarily the same job.
Ask questions until you understand exactly what you are purchasing.
7. Be Careful With Property Violations
Property violations should not be ignored.
The NYC Department of Buildings explains that open violations can create problems for property owners, including complications when selling or refinancing a property.
Depending on the agency and violation, correcting the physical condition may only be one part of the process. Documentation, inspections, certifications, hearings, permits or additional filings may also be required.
Violations can involve agencies including:
- NYC Department of Buildings (DOB)
- NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
- Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH)
For example, sidewalk work in New York City can involve separate requirements from the NYC Department of Transportation.
If you received a construction-related violation, determine exactly what condition was cited before beginning repairs.
Standard General Construction provides violation correction construction services to help property owners address the physical construction issues associated with various property violations.
8. Look at the Contractor's Actual Work
Marketing can make almost any company look established.
Completed work provides better insight.
Before hiring a contractor, look for examples involving projects similar to yours.
If you need a flat roof repair, look at roofing projects.
If your brick façade needs restoration, look at masonry and pointing work.
If you are planning a kitchen renovation, look at completed interior renovations.
Standard General Construction maintains a project gallery where property owners can review examples of our construction and renovation work.
Pictures are not the only consideration, but they can help you understand a contractor's capabilities and experience.
9. Hire for Long-Term Protection — Not Just the Fastest Fix
Some construction problems can be temporarily patched.
That does not always mean the underlying problem has been corrected.
For example, painting over a water stain does not stop a roof leak.
Applying mortar over badly deteriorated masonry without properly preparing the joint may not provide the intended repair.
Finishing a basement before correcting moisture problems can create problems behind newly installed walls.
A good contractor should look beyond the cosmetic damage and determine what is causing the problem.
The goal should be to repair the source whenever practical — not simply hide the symptom.
Choosing a General Contractor in NYC, Westchester or Long Island
Property owners should feel comfortable asking questions before committing to a construction project.
Ask about experience, licensing requirements, insurance, materials, permits, timelines, warranties and the exact scope of work.
Most importantly, choose a contractor that communicates clearly and understands the type of property and construction problem you are dealing with.
Standard General Construction provides residential and commercial construction, repair and remodeling services throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, Westchester County and Long Island.
From roofing and waterproofing to masonry, concrete, remodeling, emergency repairs and violation-related construction work, our team focuses on helping property owners protect, repair and improve their properties.
Need an Estimate for Your Property?
If you are planning a renovation, dealing with a leak, repairing exterior damage or need help correcting a construction-related property issue, speak with Standard General Construction.
Call Standard General Construction at 917-310-2100 or request a free estimate online.
Tell us what is happening with your property, and we can schedule a visit to evaluate the project and discuss the appropriate next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a general contractor in NYC?
Look for experience with your type of project, appropriate licensing and insurance, a clear written scope of work, examples of previous projects and strong communication. You should also determine whether permits or professional filings will be required before construction begins.
Do I need a permit for home renovation work in NYC?
It depends on the scope of the project. Some repairs and minor work may not require the same approvals as structural alterations or major renovations. Property owners should consult NYC Department of Buildings requirements before beginning work.
Should I get multiple estimates from contractors?
Getting multiple estimates can help you understand the potential cost and scope of a project. Compare what each contractor includes rather than selecting a contractor based only on the lowest price.
Can a contractor help correct a DOB or property violation?
A contractor may be able to complete the physical construction repairs necessary to correct the cited condition. Depending on the violation, additional documentation, permits, inspections or certification may also be required by the issuing agency.
What areas does Standard General Construction serve?
Standard General Construction serves residential and commercial properties throughout New York City, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, as well as Westchester County and Long Island.