Most homeowners think workers' compensation is the contractor's problem. It's not — it can become yours if you hire an uninsured contractor.
The Risk You May Not Know About
Under New York State law, if a contractor doesn't carry workers' compensation insurance and a worker is injured on your property, you as the homeowner may be liable for medical costs and lost wages. The injured worker can sue you directly. This is not theoretical — it happens in New York.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always request a current workers' compensation insurance certificate before work begins
- Ask the contractor to have their insurer email the certificate directly to you (prevents forgeries)
- Verify the certificate is current and covers the dates of your project
- Keep a copy on file
WHI practice: We provide our workers' comp and general liability certificates to every customer before the first nail is driven. License WC-34542-H21.
What to Ask
"Can you provide a current workers' compensation certificate?" is a completely normal question that any legitimate licensed contractor expects and welcomes. If a contractor becomes defensive or evasive about insurance, take that seriously.
Questions? Westchester Home Improvements handles everything for you — permits, drawings, construction. Free estimates, no obligation.
📅 Get a Free EstimateWhat Goes Into an Accurate Estimate
Prices vary because every project is different — site conditions, material choices, existing structure quality, and access all affect the final number. A useful estimate requires an in-person visit to assess these factors. Quotes given over the phone without seeing the space are guesses, and guesses lead to change orders later. When we provide an estimate, we look at the actual conditions, measure precisely, and give you an itemized breakdown showing exactly where your money goes: materials, labor, permits, and any site-specific considerations.
The lowest bid is not always the best value. In Westchester's market, an unusually low quote often means something is missing — lower-grade materials, an unlicensed crew, no insurance coverage, or a plan to add costs through change orders once work begins. We encourage every homeowner to get multiple quotes and compare what's actually included, not just the bottom-line number.
Why Itemized Pricing Protects You
An itemized estimate lets you see and control costs. You can see where choosing a different material tier saves money, and where it doesn't make sense to cut corners. It also prevents the most common dispute in home improvement: surprise charges. Every WHI estimate is free, done in person, and broken out line by line so there are no surprises and no vague allowances that balloon during the project.