US-New YorkWhat recourse do I have if a home improvement contractor does defective work?
You can sue for breach of contract or negligence, demand repairs or compensation, and file a complaint with the New York Attorney General or NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. You generally have up to 6 years to sue for written contracts.
What the Law Says
New York law requires home improvement contractors to register, provide written contracts for jobs over $500, and follow strict disclosure and cancellation rules. Defective work may violate contract terms, implied warranties, or consumer protection laws.
Under New York State law, any person or business performing home improvement services must register with the New York State Department of State (DOS). Registration is mandatory for all contractors working on residential properties — including repairs, remodeling, and installations.
For any home improvement job costing $500 or more, the contractor must provide a written contract that includes specific disclosures: the contractor’s registration number, a detailed description of the work, total price, payment schedule, start and completion dates, and a notice of the buyer’s three-day right to cancel.
The law also implies a warranty of workmanlike performance — meaning contractors must perform work in a skillful, professional manner consistent with industry standards. Failure to do so may constitute breach of contract or negligence.
Statutory TextEvery contract for home improvement services in an amount of five hundred dollars or more shall be in writing and shall contain... the name, address and registration number of the contractor...
— General Business Law § 772 — Home improvement contracts
Statutory TextNo person shall engage in the business of home improvement without first registering with the department of state.
— General Business Law § 770 — Registration required
Statutory TextAny person who violates any provision of this article shall be liable for damages...
— General Business Law § 776 — Civil liability
What Courts Have Said
New York courts have consistently held contractors accountable for shoddy work, especially when it breaches the implied warranty of workmanlike performance or violates GBL § 772.
Established that contractors impliedly warrant their work will be performed in a skillful, workmanlike manner — a standard still applied in defective construction cases.
Affirmed that failure to comply with GBL § 772’s written contract requirements renders the contract unenforceable by the contractor and supports claims for rescission and restitution.
What to Do
Review your written contract (if any) and gather photos, receipts, and correspondence documenting the defective work.
Send a certified letter to the contractor demanding correction of defects within a reasonable time (e.g., 14–30 days).
File a complaint with the New York State Attorney General’s Office (https://ag.ny.gov/complaint) or NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (if in NYC).
If unresolved, consult an attorney about filing a lawsuit — small claims court (up to $10,000) is an option for smaller disputes.
Report unregistered contractors to the NYS Department of State at https://dos.ny.gov/unregistered-contractor-complaint
Sources
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US-CaliforniaNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.