Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Dangers of Not Doing Your Homework When Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor


Kyle Buckminster of South Grafton was recently ordered to pay $111,000 in restitution, along with $35,000 in civil penalties, and $12,600 in fees based upon four consumer complaints to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations ("OCABR") by consumers who complained that Buckminster failed to comply with home improvement contracts and failed to finish the work contracted.  Buckminster's home improvement contractor license was revoked nearly 13 years ago, according to Attorney General Martha Coakley.  Buckminster allegedly operated under numerous business names throughout the last several years.

When hiring a home improvement contractor a homeowner should be sure to do his or her homework regarding the qualifications and reputation of the contractor, including checking that the contractor holds the necessary licenses in Massachusetts.  In Massachusetts, home improvement contractors are required to register with OCABR.  A searchable database of all registered home improvement contractors is located here and gives valuable information on whether any complaints have ever been filed against the contractor.

The fate of the homeowners damaged by Buckminster may have been different if they had done a simple search on OCABR's database.  We recommend that if you are checking out a contractor, don't just search on the registration number the contractor gives you.  Unfortunately, we are aware of instances where contractors have had judgments against them and been able to obtain a new number.  Make sure you search on both the name and number.  The database can be searched by the home improvement contractor number or the name of the contractor.  When searching on a contractor, the owner's name should also be searchable with the OCABR.  If your contractor is missing from this database or has a license listed as revoked or lapsed, then proceed with caution.  Quick, easy homework can save you a long, arduous journey later.

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