Find Certified Contractors in Long Island

Structural changes to your house will most likely require a permit. Most contractors will handle the permitting process for you, but if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you might also need to clear your plans with the board. Make sure to allow time for both processes.

New York State does not require a statewide general contractor license. However, both Nassau County and Suffolk County require home improvement contractors to be licensed locally.

Nassau County:

• Online: Use the Nassau County Consumer Affairs website to search for licensed contractors
• By Phone: Contact Nassau County Consumer Affairs at (516) 571-2600

Suffolk County:

• Online: Use the Suffolk County Citizen's Portal to search licensed contractors and view complaint history
• By Phone: Contact Suffolk County Consumer Affairs at (631) 853-4600
• Call 311: Within Suffolk County, dial 311 for assistance

Before Hiring:

• Verify the license is current and in good standing
• Check for any open complaints against the contractor
• Get at least three written estimates

Unlicensed contractors in both counties are subject to arrest and prosecution. Always verify licensing before signing a contract.

For state-level consumer protection, visit the NY Attorney General's Office.

General Liability: New York requires licensed contractors to carry comprehensive general liability—standard minimums are $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Nassau and Suffolk Counties require this for home improvement contractor licenses.

Workers' Compensation: New York is strict—workers' comp is mandatory for ALL employers with employees, including part-time, seasonal, and family members. No exceptions for contractors. General contractors are liable if their subcontractors lack coverage.

The Best Pick Promise: We verify that every Best Pick contractor holds valid general liability insurance and meets New York's strict workers' compensation requirements. Contact your county for verification:

• Nassau County: (516) 571-2600
• Suffolk County: Consumer.Affairs@suffolkcountyny.gov

Long Island has a unique location being surrounded by four bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean. This means that the weather on Long Island is typically a little less intense than in the rest of the state.

New York winters are tough, but winter on Long Island is more temperate than it is in the rest of the state. Temperatures typically don't reach their lowest until January, and even then, it's unusual to experience temperatures much below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers can get quite hot, especially on the western end of the island closest to Manhattan. Spring and fall are usually mild and sunny, perfect for enjoying the island's parks and green spaces.

Coastal exposure means that roofing and siding require extra attention—salt air accelerates wear on exterior materials, so regular inspections are a good idea. Energy-efficient heating systems help keep homes comfortable during the cold months while managing utility costs. Window replacements with proper weatherproofing protect against drafts and moisture from the ocean air.

Best Pick Reports conducts independent consumer satisfaction research in Long Island annually. We survey thousands of homeowners who have recently hired home service companies, analyzing their experiences to identify contractors who consistently deliver quality work.

To earn Best Pick certification in Long Island, companies must:

• Maintain a 4.0+ Google rating or 80%+ customer recommendation rate
• Hold all required state and local licenses
• Carry general liability insurance [+ workers' compensation where required]
• Have no unresolved complaints or regulatory violations
• Re-qualify annually through fresh consumer satisfaction surveys

We verify licensing and insurance annually for every certified company. When you hire a Best Pick contractor, you're also protected by our Best Pick Guarantee, which provides up to $2,500 in coverage if a certified company fails to meet their commitments.