The Independent Contractor Relationship. Independent contractors are free from: Supervision; Direction and; Control in the performance of their duties.Step 1: License Qualifications. In order to become a registered General Contractor, you must: Be at least eighteen (18) years old. All contractors who build one-, two-, and three-family homes must register with the Department to obtain New Building permits. To apply, home improvement contractors must fill out this application and provide: Notarized proof of experience. Child support certification. New York state law requires a contractor to provide a written contract for home improvement work. When clients violate these laws, independent contractors can receive unpaid wages, denied benefits, and more. A complete guide to understanding New York Labor laws.