New Jersey Contractor License Requirements

Contractors

In the state of New Jersey a contractor must register to build new homes. Each new home must have warrantee against defects there has to be a follow-up service built into it.

Home Repair Contractor's License

To do home repair in the state of New Jersey a contractor must be licensed. This includes the business of selling goods or services attached to a home repair job. As well this licensing is only required for individuals who will willingly finance the work to be done. In addition a home repair contractor is required to carry workmen's compensation and public liability insurance.

Home Improvement Contractor's License

In the state of New Jersey a home improvement contractor is anyone engaged in the business of selling home materials goods or making home improvements. Their work includes:

• driveways
• garages
• sidewalks
• basements and basement waterproofing
• swimming pools
• fire protection devices
• terraces
• security protection devices
• patios
• central heating and air conditioning equipment
• landscaping
• water softeners
• fences
• heaters
• porches
• purifiers
• windows
• solar heating or water systems
• doors
• insulation installation
• cabinets
• aluminum siding
• kitchens
• wall-to-wall carpeting
• bathrooms
• attached or inlaid floor coverings
  

Electrical Contractor's License

A contractor or worker needs a license to do electrical work in the state of New Jersey. Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors requires that each applicant pass an exam before getting a license. In order to take the exam the applicant must be over the age of 21, possess a high school diploma or the equivalent thereof, plus one (1) of the following:

• Five (5) years experience working to alter, install or repair electrical wiring for light, heat or power.
• The completion of a four (4)-year apprenticeship program approved by the Board plus one (1) year of work experience with a Board-approved supervisor.
• The completion of 8,000 hours of experience working to install, alter or repair electrical wiring for light, heat or power plus 576 hours of classroom instruction on this subject.
• A BSc in Electrical Engineering and two (2) years of work experience with a Board-approved supervisor.

The Board requires re-issuing of license every three (3) years.

To do business in the electrical field in New Jersey a contractor must post a $1,000 bond to the state, carry $300,000 property damage and bodily injury insurance and carry $300,000 combined property damage and bodily injury insurance.

Plumbing Contractor's License

To do plumbing work in the state of New Jersey requires a license from the Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. This requires the applicant to be over 21, pass an exam and have one (1) of the following.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, plumbing, or sanitary engineering
• One (1) year of Board-approved work experience

The Board requires licensing every two (2) years and a bond to the state for $3,000.

Well Driller's License

Well drilling in the state of New Jersey is governed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Journeyman Well Driller

• Three (3)years experience.
• Passing a practical examination on the following topics:
• Laws
• Health considerations
• Tools and equipment
• Well testing
• Geological formations

A master well driller's license requires a journeyman license plus two (2)years experience.

Consumers are advised to also check for municipal license requirements as contractor laws can differ from county to county. It is also advisable to double check with the state's requirements before hiring a contractor.