NEWARK - Superior Court Judge Frank Buczynski has issued a final judgment by default and order against an Ocean County contractor, providing for $750,000 in civil penalties and $137,000 in consumer restitution, plus reimbursement of legal and investigative costs and fees, in an action under the state's Consumer Fraud Act, Home Improvement Contractors' Registration Act and related regulations.

AZ Renovations, L.L.C. and its owner, Paul A. Miller, were found to have committed 80 separate violations of the Consumer Fraud Act, 21 separate violations of the Contractors' Registration Act, 19 separate violations of the Contractors' Registration Regulations and 17 separate violations of the Home Improvement Regulations.

Under the terms of the final judgment and order, AZ Renovations and Miller are permanently barred from engaging in any home improvement work unless and until registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.

The state filed suit against AZ Renovations and Miller in State Superior Court in Ocean County last December. The company maintained business addresses in Freehold and Lakewood.

“Since its enactment at the end of 2005, the Contractors' Registration Act has given law enforcement a powerful new tool to combat contractor fraud,” Attorney General Stuart Rabner said. “Those who violate the laws that are designed to protect consumers ultimately will be found out and we will pursue civil judgments against them.''

More than 37,000 home improvement contractors currently are registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs, as required by the Contractors' Registration Act.

"Consumers spend significant monies to update and renovate what typically is their largest single asset - their home. We will be vigilant in pursuing contractors who flout the contractor registration requirement and attempt to cheat consumers," Acting Consumer Affairs Director Stephen B. Nolan said.

An initial violation of the Consumer Fraud Act as well as the Contractors' Registration Act may result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000 and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation.

Deputy Attorney General Jody A., Carbone represented the state in this action.

Homeowners can check whether a home improvement contractor is registered by going to the Consumer Affairs' web site, http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov, clicking on "licensee search" and then selecting "home improvement contractors."

Consumers may contact Consumer Affairs to file complaints by calling 1-800-242-5846 (within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200. Complaint forms also are available on the Division's web site.

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