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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:15 GMT
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 3:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 19:38:42 GMT
By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
By MATT ALVAREZ NEW JERSEY (MYFOXNY) -- Nearly eight months later after Superstorm Sandy, many Jersey Shore families are still displaced from their homes. The storm destroyed Pam Vasquez's family home
Wednesday, June 19 2013 1:46 PM EDT2013-06-19 17:46:33 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
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.
