DEALING WITH UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS

Yesterday, I was a volunteer attorney giving free 30-minute private consultations to Nassau County residents 65 years of age and over at the Nassau County Bar Association, 15th and West Streets, Mineola, NY. And one matter that came to me was a couple who contracted with an unlicensed contractor for the installation of some major equipment in their home. Although the warnings about dealing with unlicensed contractors have been many, still the attraction of low prices capture many into the trap. And usually, the work performed is substandard, not completed, unsafe, etc. The likelihood of suing for damages and collecting on a judgment is minimal: these contractors usually have no assets in their name, operate through shell corporations, etc. So again - DON'T DEAL WITH UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS. AND ASK LICENSED CONTRACTOR FOR A COPY OF THEIR INSURANCE BINDER AND THEN CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE IF IT IS STILL VALID. By clicking on the title above, the link will send you to a site on the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs website which explains what to do when you have dealt with unlicensed contractors and what to look for when you are seeking home improvement work.