Cinnaminson Contractor Fined $17K For Being Unregistered: State

CINNAMINSON, NJ — A Cinnaminson contractor is among 136 home improvement contractors who were told to pay the most in consumer restitution and civil penalties in 2015, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Easy Way Construction Limited Liability Company was one of the companies that received notices that are part of the state Division of Consumer Affairs' "vigilant efforts" to police the home improvement marketplace to protect consumers from disreputable contractors, according to a DCA release.

Easy Way Construction was cited for not being registered, and was fined a total of $17,150. This included a $5,500 penalty, and $11,650 in restitution sought.

All told, 136 contractors were told to pay $1,905,288 in restitution.

Notices of violation were issued to contractors in 19 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, with the largest number (17) being issued in Camden County. Eleven notices were issued in Burlington County.

Other counties where 10 or more notices of violation were issued: Atlantic (10), Essex (15), Morris (16) and Union (11).

In addition, 11 notices of violation were issued to out-of-state contractors. No notices of violation were issued in Mercer and Warren counties.

“The cases we brought in 2016 should send a clear message that the division will not tolerate contractors who fail to live up to their obligations to consumers,” said Steve Lee, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “We urge consumers who feel they have been the victims of fraud or other violations of law by contractors to report these actions to the division immediately.”

The penalties issued to individual companies ranged from a low of $1,000 to a high of $7,000. Restitution amounts sought ranged from $250 to $134,092.89. Of the notices issued, 51 were for unregistered practice.

Of those issued notices, 48 entered into consent orders to resolve the notices. Another 28 defaulted, and four paid the penalties outlined in the notice. Another 55 cases remain open, according to the release.

A contractor who is issued a notice of violation can contest the assertion or can correct the violation by discontinuing any practices in violation of the law. He or she may pay a civil penalty and/or restitution where required. If not registered, the contractor also will apply for registration. Contractors also may contest the division’s assessment of consumer restitution, according to the release.

Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn if the contractor is duly registered to perform home improvement work in New Jersey, and learn whether the contractor has been the subject of consumer complaints and/or legal action by the Division, or to learn more about contractors who have been cited by the Division. You can call the division at 800-242-5846 or use the division's website, www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov.