Homeowners warned to beware of ‘deals’ for repairs

The Nevada State Contractors Board is warning homeowners to beware of spring and summer scam artists who offer “good deals” on air-conditioning service, roof repairs, painting and remodeling, driveway sealing, patio coverings and cement work, landscaping and various other types of home repairs.

Homeowners, especially senior citizens, are routinely approached by door-to-door scam artists looking to make a quick sale. These unlicensed contractors usually say they are in the neighborhood and can give you a great price on leftover materials. Often, they ask for full or cash payments up front.

All Nevada licensed contractors have a five-digit license number issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Either call the contractors board or go online, and reference this five-digit number, to make sure a contractor is licensed and in good standing with the board.

Other tips to protect yourself include:

* Hire only licensed contractors.

* Check the contractor’s license number by calling the Nevada State Contractors Board at 486-1100.

* Get three references and review past work.

* Get at least three bids.

* Get a written contract and do not sign anything until you completely understand the terms.

* Pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, if a deposit is required.

* Don’t let payments get ahead of the work. Keep a record of all payments.

* Don’t make a final payment until you are satisfied with the job.

* Don’t pay cash.

* Keep a job file of all papers relating to your project.

Contacting without a license in Nevada is a misdemeanor for the first offense, a gross misdemeanor for the second offense and a Class E felony for the third offense.

Work that is less than $1,000 which does not require a city or county building permit and does not involve electrical, plumbing, air conditioning/heating or refrigeration does not require a contractor’s license.

However, the contractors board advises homeowners not to use unlicensed contractors because their work is generally poor quality, they are often uninsured and may not maintain workman’s compensation coverage for their employees, and the homeowner may be liable for all injuries to workers. Homeowners who use unlicensed contractors are not eligible for the Residential Recovery Fund, and by law their contracts are null and void.

For additional information, visit the contractors board’s Web site, www.nscb.state.nv.us.

Information courtesy Nevada State Contractors Board