Home improvement issues – 31 contractors cited so far this year for violations in NJ

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Consumer Affairs say 31 contractors were cited during the first three months of this year, mostly for failing to register with the state.

The violation notices issued so far seek nearly $400,000 in consumer restitution and civil penalties.

The restitution amounts range from $400 to $81,050. They include claims in which the contractors allegedly failed to complete work that consumers had paid for in advance or didn't refund deposits.

State officials say home improvement matters have been the largest complaint category that consumers have filed with the Consumer Affairs division. More than 130 violation notices were issued last year to contractors who didn't meet the state's registration rules or allegedly violated consumer fraud laws.

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