NJ cites 26 home contractors for violations

In a continued crackdown on non-compliant home improvement contractors, 26 have been cited for violations by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, which is seeking a total of $251,602 in penalties and consumer restitution.

"The great majority of New Jersey's registered home improvement contractors are proud to provide honest, quality service to their clients," Acting Attorney General John Hoffman said in an emailed press release Wednesday. "But the fact that home improvement-related issues remain the number one consumer complaint in New Jersey means that this enforcement action is needed to deter those contractors who violate our consumer protection laws."

The division has directed all but three of the contractors cited to pay a total of $153,582 in restitution to consumers. The amounts range from $200 to $27,400 and represent costs associated with alleged shoddy work or failure to start or finish work for which customers had already paid.

All 26 contractors also are being cited for violations of the New Jersey Contractors Registration Act which include failure to register with the state and failure to provide written contracts for consumers.

"Home improvement contractors are the number one complaint the division receives every year. We are going to continue to enforce the law against those who are not doing what they're supposed to be doing," said Steve Lee, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. "Thus far in 2014, the division has ordered a total of 95 allegedly unregistered and/or otherwise non-compliant contractors to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution to New Jersey consumers, and $374,000 in civil penalties. We will continue these enforcement efforts throughout the year."

The most recent action follows the July 16, 2014 announcement in which 68 home improvement contractors were cited for offenses and ordered to pay a total of $1,046,978 in restitution to consumers and $276,250 in penalties.

The division said consumers should follow these tips when hiring a contractor:

• Learn about any contractor before hiring them.

• Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn in the contractor is registered to perform such work in New Jersey.

• Before hiring a contractor, demand a copy of his or her liability insurance policy and contact the insurer to make sure the policy is valid.

• Obtain a written contract.

• Make sure all warranties and guarantees are in writing and that the contract states the name brands or quality of the materials being used.

• Ensure all applicable construction permits are obtained by the contractor from the municipality.

• Remember that it is not customary to pay for the project in advance, but in phases.

For more information or to file a complaint, call the Division at 800-242-5846 or visit the website at www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov.