History

In 1982, a few frustrated licensed home improvement contractors got together to solve a problem that still faces the home improvement industry today. Unlicensed contractors are performing shoddy work for unsuspecting homeowners, creating anger, loss of money, lawsuits and a bad reputation for the industry. In addition, many reputable, properly licensed contractors are losing out to these firms, mostly due to price, which affects the bottom line of those who are doing the right thing.

Over the years, HIC has developed a great relationship with the Department of Consumer Affairs, helping them with the actual “license test,” having many of their commissioners or representatives attend our meetings, and offered suggestions in how to best protect consumers. Many homeowners are completely unaware of the safeguards that Consumer Affairs has in place, such as a bond fund and a website full of valuable information (www.nyc.gov/consumers).

HIC has also worked closely with elected officials to help repeal local laws that were detrimental to both contractors and consumers, such as the weekend work law, which prohibited contractors from working outdoors on weekends (when many homeowners are home and desires to have the work done).

Members have monthly meetings where they consistently educate their members on new products, laws, regulations, marketing, legal & financial information, and scams that are being perpetrated against homeowners.

Some of the most egregious scams include those contractors who accept a hefty deposit and never return, others use that deposit to pay back bills and no longer have the funds to complete the job. Many contractors simply do not understand how to price a job, leaving out money needed to pay for permits, filing fees, applicable taxes, workers’ comprehensive insurance and liability insurance. Thus, they are always taking from Peter to pay Paul.

Meanwhile, the reputable contractor only gets the call to “fix or finish the problem.” In most cases, the consumer is now mad, skeptical of the new contractor, and upset that it will cost much more than originally estimated just to make things right.

This is why HIC is pooling its resources to reach out to the homeowners BEFORE they make a decision which may come back to haunt them. We urge consumers to do their research thoroughly and not invest tens of thousands of dollars with someone who “seemed like a nice guy.”

Our sincere thanks to the thousands of homeowners who have given our members the opportunity to provide them with a product or service in a professional manner.