Contractors and Repair Shops in New York

Every home improvement contract must be in writing and signed by all parties, and the owner must get a contractor-signed copy before work begins. It must include the contractor's name, address, phone and license number (if applicable), approximate start and substantial-completion dates, a description of the work and materials (including make and model), the price, a mechanic's lien notice, whether a completion date is "of the essence," and information about any applicable insurance. The owner may cancel until midnight of the third business day after signing (with limited emergency exceptions). Payments received before completion must be deposited as required by Lien Law § 71-a(4), or the contractor may instead post a bond, contract of indemnity or irrevocable letter of credit; progress payments must follow a written schedule.

If the customer asks, a motor vehicle repair shop must give a written estimate of the parts and labor for the job (it may charge a reasonable fee for preparing it). The shop may not charge for work or parts beyond the estimate without the customer's consent. On timely written demand, the shop must make replaced parts available to the customer, except warranty or exchange parts. Every job must be recorded on an invoice describing all work and parts, stating whether any parts are used, with a copy given to the customer.