In New Jersey, anyone can be a home contractor. That's a problem.

Among the most common complaints reported to the Division of Consumer Affairs in New Jersey are those concerning unskilled and unethical contractors. Some contractors start work but never finish, others do a poor quality job and refuse to fix their mistakes, and still others just take payments but never lift a hammer. They just vanish.

While it happens during everyday repair projects, complaints escalate after a natural disaster when homeowners are at their most desperate. We saw it in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and Hurricanes Floyd and Irene. And with the rampage of Tropical Storm Ida, I expect my inbox will be filled with emails about contractor issues in the months to come.

While at least 32 other states require contractors to apply for a license that requires proof of experience and skill, state exams, background and credit checks, New Jersey only asks contractors pay a $110 fee and prove they have liability insurance to get a "registration." The state's statute explicitly forbids criminal background checks, too, giving little protections to consumers.

In my Special Report, Hire At Your Own Risk, we explore the issue and offer common sense solutions on which the Legislature can act. I hope you will take a look. If you think your legislators should do more to protect consumers, share your opinion, and the story, with them.

As always, thank you for reading.

-- Karin

P.S. Let me be clear: Most contractors are qualified and honest, but the con artists give the good guys a bad name. Legislators, are you listening?

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