Eric Kanefsky, the acting director, urges you to do your own due diligence when picking a contractor. He said his division has already seen home improvement scams after Sandy.
The most important thing to know check to make sure your contractor is licensed with the state, he said. That does not guarantee that the contractor will do the job right or won't try to cheat you, but it is at least a start.
After Hurricane Irene in 2011, state officials set up a sting and caught 10 unregistered home improvement contractors trying to take advantage after a storm.
This time the acting director said the division will again be actively looking for anyone trying to take advantage of hurricane victims.
Call the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn whether the contractor is registered, and whether the contractor has been the subject of any consumer complaints.
Demand a copy of the contractor's liability insurance policy. Call the insurer to make sure the policy is still valid.
Demand a written contract. Don't sign or pay for anything unless you understand and agree to all of the terms and conditions, including the fine print. Be sure to carefully review the list of materials that will be used.
Never pay the full price up-front.
Demand ID from anyone who claims to be from a utility company and wishes to inspect your home.
Never give your credit card number to strangers over the phone or Internet.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:56:27 GMT
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:38:50 GMT
Superstorm Sandy victims in New Jersey who are weighing whether to rebuild or relocate will soon get more information that should help them decide what to do.
Superstorm Sandy victims in New Jersey who are weighing whether to rebuild or relocate will soon get more information that should help them decide what to do.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 8:19 AM EDT2013-06-12 12:19:16 GMT
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing removable flood walls for much of lower Manhattan as part of a nearly $20 billion plan to protect New York City from storms and global warming.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing removable flood walls for much of lower Manhattan as part of a nearly $20 billion plan to protect New York City from storms and global warming.
Friday, May 3 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-03 22:35:57 GMT
In the six months since Superstorm Sandy the ASPCA has been patching up Cairo, a pit bull terrier mix, but he is still looking for a home. He was about five months old when he was found abandoned in Brooklyn
In the six months since Superstorm Sandy the ASPCA has been patching up Cairo, a pit bull terrier mix, but he is still looking for a home. He was about five months old when he was found abandoned in Brooklyn
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:03 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:03:55 GMT
Ever since Superstorm Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey shore last October, officials have planned for a new system of protective sand dunes along the entirety of the 127-mile coast.
Ever since Superstorm Sandy devastated parts of the Jersey shore last October, officials have planned for a new system of protective sand dunes along the entirety of the 127-mile coast.
