Have you ever had the experience of hiring a contractor, paying them and then helplessly wait for them to show up? If they fail to complete the job or perform less than good workmanlike quality, you may file a criminal complaint against them here in New Jersey.
Before the Honorable Thomas F. Kelaher became mayor of Toms River, he was the Prosecutor of Ocean County, New Jersey. His office enforced state regulations under a new initiative called "Operation One-Two Punch," that required all home improvement contractors to register with the state of New Jersey and comply with various regulations.
A contractor not registered with the State can be charged with an indictable offense.
As always,
-Request the Contractor's Registration number and liability insurance
-Confirm that they are bonded
-Contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Website, http://www.njconsumeraffairs.com/ for the registration
-Contact the contractor's insurance agent to confirm insurance policy
-Contact the Ocean County Division of Consumer Affairs, 732-929-2105 to determine if a contractor has been the subject of any complaints
-If a problems exists, contact your local police
