Westchester lawmaker proposes contractor database

Westchester County Legislator Sheila Marcotte recently proposed a plan to link two online county databases to help consumers check contractors’ backgrounds before hiring them.

The Department of Consumer Protection maintains a list of licensed contractors in the county on the county”™s website. The Westchester County Clerk”™s office, also involved in contractor licensing, has a database of legal documents, including judgments and liens, on its website.

Marcotte, R-Eastchester, New Rochelle and Tuckahoe, proposed combining the databases on one Web page so homeowners can find a contractor and easily check if the contractor has any liens or judgements against them. She said easier access to online information will help people protect themselves.

Marcotte, who chairs the Board of Legislators’ Budget and Appropriations Committee, said on average, homeowners will spend about $3,000 on home improvements every year.

“The best advice for anyone considering a home improvement job and considering the hiring of a contractor is do your homework, ask for references, don’t pay cash and get a written contract,” Marcotte said in a statement. “Too often, and as we know, this is not the case, and when someone can finally figure out that they have been scammed … it is too late.”

Marcotte”™s proposal has been sent to the Board of Legislators”™ legislation and infrastructure committees for review.