More than 90 percent of home improvement contractors inspected by the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection in April and May were in compliance with all licensing requirements.
Of the 430 work sites throughout the county that were inspected as a part of the department”™s annual spring spot check, 395 had proper licensing, county officials announced June 18.
County Executive Rob Astorino called the number “impressive,” but said he hopes for 100 percent compliance when the department next conducts site inspections.
Under county law, home improvement contractors must be licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection and must display a department-issued bumper sticker with a license expiration date.
Noncompliance penalties include $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense and $10,000 for a third offense occurring within 10 years. Violators can also be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
In April and May, inspectors seized vehicles and equipment from six unlicensed companies.
John Graccione, acting director of consumer protection, advised homeowners to avoid unlicensed contractors, to get at least three estimates for any project, to request references, and to insist on a written contract.
A list of licensed contractors can be found at www.westchestergov.com/consumer.
