How to check a fence or deck builder's license in Suffolk or Nassau

In Suffolk County

• Suffolk's home improvement law names fencing and also reaches other improvements to structures or land that are part of residential property. A business doing that work needs a county license unless an exemption applies.
• Fence and deck contractors who work in Suffolk without a license can face arrest and prosecution, according to Consumer Affairs.

1. 1Step 1For a fence or deck builder, select Home Improvement License in Suffolk's License and Complaint Violation Look Up and search the business name or license number.
2. 2Step 2Suffolk Consumer Affairs at (631) 853-4600 handles phone verification of a fence or deck builder's license.

In Nassau County

• Fences and railings are on Nassau County Consumer Affairs' list of who must be licensed.
• Decks are one of the work categories on Nassau's home improvement business license application.
• Nassau's code also counts other improvements to structures or land next to a dwelling as home improvement work.

1. 1Step 1Enter the fence or deck company's license number or name in Nassau's Valid Business License Search and click Search. The county updates that database daily.

Towns with a license of their own

• City of Long Beach: The City issues building permits only to a City of Long Beach licensed contractor or the homeowner, and a licensed contractor must complete an affidavit that they alone are doing the work.
• Town of Southampton: Southampton requires its own Home Improvement Contractor's License for home improvement work, and its licensing covers every village except the Village of Westhampton Dunes. A builder of a new home needs no town license for now, but the builder's subcontractors must be licensed.
• Town of Southampton: A Southampton home improvement license is valid for one year. A new application costs $250.00 by cash or check or $257.50 by credit, and an on-time renewal costs $175.00, or $180.25 by credit.
• Town of Shelter Island: Shelter Island requires home improvements to be performed by a licensed contractor holding a Shelter Island license.
• Town of Shelter Island: Shelter Island's notice to contractors says every contractor or subcontractor working on the island, landscapers included, needs a town license.
• Town of Shelter Island: Shelter Island takes home improvement license applications online, and a new license needs a $250 check to the town, a liability certificate naming the town as certificate holder and, if applicable, a workers' compensation certificate.

Beyond the license

• Ask for a certificate of insurance sent to you by the insurer, naming you as the certificate holder.
• Ask who files the permit and books the inspections, and get it in the contract.
• Get the price, the scope, the start and finish dates and the payment schedule in a written contract.