Contractors Board warns residents against weather-related scams

Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 | 11:11 a.m.

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The Nevada State Contractors Board is warning homeowners to take steps to protect themselves against home repair scams by unlicensed contractors after the recent rainstorms and flooding in Clark County and excessive snow in Northern Nevada.

The severe storms serve as a magnet for unlicensed contractors offering emergency repairs. Poor repairs from unqualified contractors can cause more problems than the original damage and leave the homeowner with no viable recourse against the unlicensed contractor, officials at the agency said.

Margi Grein, executive officer of the board, cautioned that homeowners need to take time to check out a contractor to ensure he is properly licensed before giving any money or authorizing the repair of any damage.

Common tactics used by unlicensed contractors include door-to-door solicitations.

Anyone who performs residential or commercial construction, remodeling or repair must have a valid Nevada State Contractors license and display it on contracts and invoices and must display its card if requested by the homeowner. Many repair projects will require building permits.

If you suspect an unlicensed contractor is working in your area, contact the Nevada State Contractors Board. Investigators will repond to all complaints of unlicensed contracting activity within a short period of time, agency officials said.

The board regulates contractors in the state by providing a licensing and regulatory system. The board offers financial protection to residential customers who use licensed contractors through its Residential Recovery fund.