NEWARK
- The State Division of Consumer Affairs today
cautioned storm victims in Hamilton Township
and nearby areas to be wary when hiring contractors
to repair storm-related damage following the
violent thunderstorms on Sunday night.
Anyone offering to cut up
and remove downed trees or repair damaged
homes for payment must be a registered Home
Improvement Contractor, under state law. The
registration process requires contractors
to carry insurance, among other requirements.
“In times of trouble,
neighbors help neighbors. Unfortunately, we’ve
also seen con artists try to make a buck off
the suffering of others. Residents seeking
to repair storm damage should be cautious
and avoid anyone who should be registered
as a Home Improvement Contractor but is not,”
said David Szuchman, Consumer Affairs Director.
A searchable database of all
registered Home Improvement Contractors is
located on the Division’s web site at
www.nj.gov/oag/ca/contractors/consumercont.htm.
Consumers also can enter a town name and generate
a list of all registered Home Improvement
Contractors located in that community.
Consumers also can call the
Division toll-free within New Jersey at 1-800-242-5846
(or from anywhere at 973-504-6200)
and inquiry whether a contractor is registered
and if any consumer complaints have been filed
against the contractor.
Electricians and plumbers
are licensed separately by the Division and
are not required to be licensed as Home Improvement
Contractors if they are working within the
scope of their profession.
Consumers can file complaints
about alleged violations of the Contractors’
Registration Act or Consumer Fraud Act at
www.nj.gov/oag/ca/ocp/ocpform.htm
or by calling the Division at the telephone
numbers listed above.
#
# # |
