Quantcast
Paterson contractor among 62 cited by State for more than $1 million | Paterson Times

Paterson contractor among 62 cited by State for more than $1 million

home-improvement

A city home improvement company is among 62 cited throughout the state for violating consumer protection laws, according to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Everlast Fence 1 Limited Liability Company doing business as Everlast Fence Company, located at 84 Arch Street, must pay $2,550 in penalties and fines, according to the state.

In total the 62 companies  must pay $1,046,077 in restitution and civil penalties for shoddy and incomplete work. The companies will pay consumers $803,677.76 in restitution and $214,750 in civil penalties ranging from $1,500 to $5,750 to the state.

“Consumers need to be vigilant in making sure the home improvement contractors they hire will provide honest, quality service, as promised,” said Acting Director of Division of Consumer Affairs Steve Lee said. “The Division of Consumer Affairs is doing its part to discover and penalize unregistered contractors and those who cheat consumers with unfinished or substandard work.”

23 of the companies were unregistered contractor, according to the state. A registered contractor is required to disclose its physical location and provide proof of having a minimum $500,000 insurance as well as other requirements.

Violators of the Contractors’ Registration Act face $10,000 for first violation and up to $20,000 for subsequent violations, according to the state.

Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said complaints about home improvement contracts are consistently among the top grievances reported by consumers.

“Disreputable contractors can leave consumers with costs that escalate to the tens of thousands, as well as dangerous conditions that require additional money to repair,” Hoffman  said. “The Division of Consumer Affairs continues to ensure that contractors comply with the law and make restitution for shoddy or unfinished work.”

Top