State Seeking $397K From 31 Home Improvement Contractors

Two Toms River home improvement contractors are among 31 who have been issued notices of violation in the first three months of 2015, with the seeking nearly $400,000 in restitution and penalties, according to state officials.

Atlas General Contracting, Fischer Boulevard, and Gregg Rivera, doing business as Gregg R. Colletta Painting and Drywall, Toms River, both were cited for not being registered as contractors with the state, according to a list provided by the state Division of Consumer Affairs.

Of the $397,776.60 in restitution and fines, $266,526.60 is restitution, in amounts from $400 to $81,050, for allegedly failing to complete work that was paid for in advance, for failing to refund deposits or other issues, officials said.

The civil penalties total $131,250.

Of the 31 contractors, 22 had failed to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. To become registered, a contractor must disclose the physical location of the business and provide proof of having a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance, among other requirements.

“The arrival of spring signals the traditional start of New Jersey’s home improvement season and we are urging consumers to thoroughly review potential contractors before hiring someone to do work on their homes,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. “Everyone needs to check whether a home improvement contractor is registered with the state before signing a contract or paying a deposit.”

In 2014, the Division of Consumer Affairs issued more than 130 notices of violation issued for not meeting requirements of the Home Improvement Contractors’ Registration Act and Consumer Fraud Act.

For home improvement projects costing more than $500, the contractor must provide the consumer with a written contract with specific, detailed information including the project’s agreed-upon price, the starting and ending dates, the scope of work; the contractor’s business name, address, and registration number; and other required information.

Each of the contractors receiving a Notice of Violation has the opportunity to contest the assertion that he or she has violated the law, or the opportunity to correct the violation by desisting from any practices in violation of the law, paying a civil penalty and/or consumer restitution where required, and submitting an application for registration, if not registered. Each contractor also may contest the Division’s assessment of consumer restitution.

Violators of the Contractors’ Registration Act are subject to civil penalties of up to $10,000 for the first violation, and up to $20,000 for subsequent violations.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint online with the State Division of Consumer Affairs or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.