Contractors and Consumer Protection

When employing a contractor to build or repair homes or construct additions to homes, consumers can take certain steps to maximize the likelihood that all will go as anticipated and if something does go wrong they will know where to turn in order to remedy matters. Construction Contractors Board is a webpage of the state of Oregon. I particularly like this site as it contains some good advice and information. The layout looks professional as well. Be advised that regulations vary by state. The law in Oregon may not be the same as the law in New Jersey. However, there is a great deal of consistency in critical areas of concern.

Another website offers advice for consumers who live in New Jersey. From the link:

In New Jersey, contractors that build new homes, do home repairs, or do home improvements must be registered by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. To find out if a home improvement contractor is registered, a search can be done at New Jersey's Consumer Affairs website at http://www.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/consumeraffairs/search/ searchentry.pl?searchprofession=1301. To find out if a new homebuilder contractor is registered, call (609) 984-7910. To find out if a home repair contractor is registered, call the Department of Banking and Insurance at (609) 292-5340.

Here is information from the Find Law website also intended for New Jersey consumers:

Contact: Bureau of Home Owner Protection

New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
CN 805
Trenton, NJ 08625-0805
(609) 530-6357